Each year thousands of Martin County residents are involved in car accidents. Here are 3 reasons to choose chiropractic care after a car accident. Some car accidents cause minor damage while others cause major damage. The severity of the damage to vehicles and the severity of the injuries vary. Did you know that the vehicle […]
Chiropractic Treatment: Neck Pain and Whiplash
Whiplash is a generic term used to describe a hyper extension and flexion injury to the neck. It is a soft tissue injury to the neck. Often associated with car accidents (even low velocity ones), whiplash is a serious injury.
Did you know that whiplash injuries aren’t limited to car accidents? While whiplash can occur after an automobile accident, it can also be caused by a fall, a sports injury, or anytime there’s a sudden jolt of the head.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a generic term used to describe a soft tissue injury to the neck due to a forceful back and forth movement of the neck. Often when someone suffers from whiplash, the force causes injury to the ligaments and muscles of of the neck. It’s technically a strain/sprain injury, causing a sprain to the ligaments and strain on the muscles of the neck.
What causes whiplash?
Any large force that is incurred to the body and causes the head to “whip” back and forth can cause whiplash.
Such forces include:
- Automobile accident: especially rear-end collisions.
- Physical abuse or violence: oneself being punched or shaken
- Contact sports: football, soccer, and lacrosse to name a few.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
What are the symptoms of whiplash?Symptoms for whiplash usually develop within 24 hours of the accident but may take longer to appear. Symptoms of whiplash are:
- Neck pain
- Neck pain worse with movement
- Loss of range of motion or inability to move the neck
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, arms and upper back
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Some people also experience:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Irritability
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea
If you have been in any type of accident and begin to experience any of these symptoms you should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your medical doctor or chiropractor.
How do you treat whiplash?
It is important to remember to keep active after a whiplash injury.
Bed rest is ok for the first 24 hours but after that movement is vital.
If you stay inactive or wear a foam cervical collar for longer than that, you may be doing more harm than good. Inactivity and foam cervical collars lead to the weakening of the cervical muscles and can prolong your healing time.
It is highly recommended to seek professional medical care within 24 hours of your injury. Your doctor can make recommendations on bed rest and cervical collars based on your individual case.
Treatments for whiplash include1:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical Therapy
- At home exercises
- Massage
- TENS unit therapy
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Prescription medication
If you are experiencing neck pain and live or work in the Stuart, Fl area, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC. Call 855-509-5400.