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Approximately two million Americans experience whiplash yearly, a painful condition that causes headaches, neck pain, and general musculoskeletal discomfort. If you or a loved one suffers an automobile accident injury, it’s important to seek help from a qualified chiropractor as soon as possible. At Family Wellness at Teravista in Round Rock, Texas, Bolden Harris, DC, and the team regularly works with patients to treat and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of whiplash. Call the office or click the online booking tool today to make your appointment.
Whiplash Q & A
What is whiplash?
Whiplash, or a neck sprain, is a common injury resulting from your head snapping back and forth rapidly. Typically, whiplash occurs due to being rear-ended in an automobile accident, but people who play contact sports like rugby, football, and hockey are also at risk. The rapid motion caused by whiplash can damage your vertebral discs, ligaments, and muscles.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Whiplash is unlike other musculoskeletal injuries because it doesn’t always present symptoms immediately. People often don’t start feeling bad until 24-48 hours after the initial impact or accident. Telltale signs of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Arm or shoulder pain
- Numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
If you suffer from whiplash, you might also experience sleep disturbances, increased irritability, and general fatigue.
How does a chiropractor diagnose whiplash?
To diagnose whiplash, the Family Wellness at Teravista team reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and asks you questions about your symptoms. Your provider also examines your neck, shoulders, and spine alignment.
Because whiplash results from a soft-tissue injury, diagnostic imaging procedures like X-ray won’t provide insight into your condition. However, if necessary, he might order a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
How does chiropractic care treat whiplash?
Whiplash affects every patient differently, so treatment varies from person to person. However, the team recommends chiropractic adjustments, various at-home exercises, and ergonomic changes to limit pain and promote healing.
Whiplash develops over time, so you typically need more than one chiropractic adjustment. There’s nothing to worry about because the team uses noninvasive, pain-free techniques. Following your initial adjustment, your provider walks you through easy stretches designed to increase circulation, relieve inflammation, and prevent pain.
They also recommend taking a nutritional supplement like vitamin D or calcium to promote bone strength and healthy vertebrae.
Your provider might also recommend eating a more balanced diet or participating in stress-reduction activities like yoga or meditation. If these treatments don’t provide significant relief and require further treatment, you may be referred to a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist in the area.
If your neck is hurting following an automobile accident, chiropractic treatment can help. Make an appointment at Family Wellness at Teravista by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.