If you’ve been in a car accident, experienced a severe blow from a contact sport, or suffered any sudden extension of the neck, you may be feeling back or neck pain as a result of a whiplash injury. This is a common yet fairly serious condition that can cause chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or headaches in addition to other negative effects for months after an injury occurs. Read below to learn more about whiplash symptoms, treatment, and how a chiropractor may help you achieve neck pain relief.
What is Whiplash?
A whiplash injury, also called a neck sprain or neck strain, occurs when there is a sudden, forceful movement of the neck that results in soft tissue damage. Though whiplash can occur in various situations, it is most common as the result of a rear-end car accident or an injury from a contact sport. Whiplash can affect individuals of all ages, and although many can recover within three months of the injury, some experience symptoms for months or years.
What are Whiplash Symptoms?
Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, increased pain with neck movement, loss of range of motion, headaches, and sensitivity or pain in the upper back and shoulders. In addition to these physical challenges, some individuals may also experience cognitive or psychological symptoms such as memory loss, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression.
Individuals suffering from a neck injury must remain aware of these symptoms as they can develop immediately after the injury or can be delayed for several days. Additionally, the severity of these symptoms will vary depending on the nature of the injury. However, several effective methods of treatment exist for whiplash and general neck pain, including chiropractic adjustments.
How Could a Chiropractor Help?
Those who experience whiplash symptoms must be evaluated by a medical professional to develop a personal treatment plan. Research indicates that a majority of individuals suffering from chronic whiplash symptoms can benefit from chiropractic treatments. A chiropractor completes a preliminary assessment after a whiplash injury, paying particular attention to the neck and spine. He or she will then be able to develop a unique plan for treatment that may include physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or ultrasounds combined with chiropractic adjustments depending on the needs and desires of the patient.
In addition to chiropractic treatment, All American Healthcare offers physiotherapy, rehabilitation, electric stimulation, ultrasound, traction, and other pain-relieving techniques to help relieve whiplash symptoms. If you are suffering from whiplash or chronic pain, come and see us for a free chiropractic consultation. We would love to develop a treatment plan to help you live a pain-free life. Visit us today!
