“Whiplash” is the term given to an injury in the soft tissues of your neck. They are caused by a sudden impact that results in the jerking of your neck, which tears the ligaments. The most common cause of these types of injuries are car accidents. Unfortunately, though many people know being in an auto accident in Clearwater can give them a whiplash injury, they don’t understand what the ailment actually is, how it can affect them, and how to properly treat it.
This injury occurs when your neck is hyperextended, then hyper flexed with unexpected force; basically it bends forwards and backwards beyond the usual range of motion. It doesn’t only happen in Clearwater car accident injuries—it can also happen to athletes.
Whiplash injuries can lead to chronic psychosocial issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, especially in more serious cases, often referred to as “whiplash associated disorder.” It can also cause concussions.
Some signs of a whiplash injury include:
- Neck pain or tightness
- Shoulder pain
- Decreased range of motion
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Headache (radiating from base of skull forward)
- Jaw pain
- Weakness
- Ringing in ears
- Back pain
- Tenderness
The treatment for your particular whiplash injury will depend on a number of factors and symptoms. It is important to act as quickly as possible once you have sustained your injury. Even if you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, if you have recently been in a car accident it is strongly advised that you seek medical treatment from a chiropractic clinic as soon as possible. Some symptoms can take days, weeks, even months to surface, and the quicker you get checked out, the better off you will be.
Chiropractic Care for Whiplash
Some people with whiplash injuries have to wear a cervical collar for a few weeks to reduce their range of motion, whereas others need prolonged mobilization. Recovery often involves rotational exercises and physical therapy.
It is important to see a professional chiropractor who can adequately assess and treat your pain. Without proper x-rays and an examination, you can only guess what might be wrong. Even if you are right about your injury, you can’t be totally sure that you are treating it the right way. While some doctors will tell you to rest, too must immobility can cause muscle atrophy and decreased blood flow, making your whiplash injury even worse.
If you are in the Clearwater or Seminole area and have neck pain, come visit us at our chiropractic clinic as soon as possible. We offer same day service for walk-ins, or you can schedule an appointment online.