Chiropractic and Medical Care Reduces Whiplash Pain

Whiplash occurs when forces jerk your head suddenly forward, then snap it violently back. Think of a whip-cracking motion—the action this condition was named after. The violent acceleration then deceleration results in your neck changing from its normal curve to a straight line.

Many people in Naples, FL consider whiplash a minor condition and don’t seek auto injury treatment, hoping symptoms go away soon. It’s just a little pain in the neck, right? That might be the case right now, but whiplash also has long term effects and won’t get better without intervention. In fact, it’ll only get worse the longer it’s left untreated.

Here’s a quick overview on whiplash and how combining medical and chiropractic treatment can help mitigate symptoms and ensure a healthier future for sufferers.

WHIPLASH SYMPTOMS TO BE AWARE OF

Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash. Being belted into your seat causes your body to remain stationary while your head and neck keep moving. This causes the “snapping” movement that forces your head and neck into forward flexion, then hyperextension, followed by hyperflexion. This sequence of events results in the following symptoms:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Jaw Pain
• Arm pain and weakness

You may also experience secondary symptoms, especially if you do not address your pain issues. These include anxiety and stress, frustration, insomnia and depression.

Your symptoms may not be apparent right away. You may feel fine on the day of an accident and be in horrible pain the next day. If you fail to treat whiplash, you may even feel symptoms years later because the underlying soft tissue damage was not addressed. That’s why, if you are in an auto accident or sustain neck pain playing sports, it’s a good idea to see your doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible after a whiplash incident.

TREATMENT AND RECOVERY FOR WHIPLASH

Pain management is first on the list of whiplash issues to address. This can include over-the-counter medication and icing your neck to reduce swelling. For severe pain, you may need to wear a neck collar or explore exercises and motions that help reduce pain.

Bodywork, including massage and chiropractic adjustments, is also helpful. It can help realign your spine and relax your stiff muscles. Another option is physical therapy, where a therapist helps you work and stretch your muscles to reduce stiffness and regain strength. These treatments make the healing process much more bearable and reduce the chances of symptoms returning.

At our clinic in Naples, FL, Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology uses Digital Motion X-Ray to view the neck and back in motion. Since pain often doesn’t occur until you move, this allows us to better assess where it comes from. This technology x-rays the spine at 30 frames per second to help us see the underlying damage. From there, we can design a rehabilitation plan for you so you can return to your normal routines.

Once you start treatment, recovery may take a few days to several months. It all depends on the extent of your injury. While we can estimate your treatment time, your circumstances may vary.

WHIPLASH DEMANDS TARGETED TREATMENT

Make no mistake, whiplash is a serious condition that requires a targeted approach to address. Left untreated or under-treated, you could end up living with lasting side effects for the rest of your life.

Feel Amazing Institute/ Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology offers auto injury treatment focused on whiplash. Our state-of-the-art clinic includes the latest treatment techniques and chiropractic and medical professionals to ensure your recovery. Call us as soon as possible after a whiplash incident to schedule an appointment.