Whiplash most often occurs due to an auto accident injury. However, other personal injuries can also lead to whiplash. At Chiropractic Associates, Inc., serving Middletown, OH, and the nearby region, we offer solutions to help you heal. We've comprised a list of the most commonly asked questions to help you better understand whiplash and possible chiropractic treatment options.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when your neck is forced forward and backward rapidly. It is called whiplash because the injury occurs when the neck moves in a pattern that resembles the cracking of a whip. This motion can damage the soft tissue and nerves in your neck, leading to neck pain and immobility. If left unaddressed, whiplash can progress into a chronic pain condition.
What Causes Whiplash?
Any action that suddenly whips your head forward and back can lead to whiplash. Whiplash is most often caused by an auto accident. You can also get whiplash from contact sports.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
When you experience whiplash, you might have neck pain that worsens whenever you move your neck. You might notice that you have a limited range of motion in your neck. You might also have weakness, numbness, and tingling in your neck, shoulders, and arms. Tenderness in your shoulders, arms, or upper back are also potential symptoms.
Whiplash can also cause headaches and migraines as well as mood changes, depression, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. You may have blurred vision or sleep disturbances after experiencing whiplash. Tinnitus, which is when you have ringing in your ears, occurs in some whiplash victims. Auto accident injury symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
Our chiropractor will want you to complete a detailed medical history report to rule out any previous injuries or issues that could be causing your neck symptoms. You will also be asked questions about when your symptoms first appeared. Your neck’s range of motion will also be assessed. Imaging may be recommended if there's a possibility that another issue is contributing to your symptoms rather than whiplash.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Our chiropractor may manually move the vertebrae in your neck to realign them. Massage therapy and exercise therapy may also be part of your treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments performed will vary depending on what caused your whiplash injury and how severe it is.
Contact Our Chiropractor in Middletown, OH for Auto Injury Treatment