Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a sudden, forceful back-and-forth neck motion, similar to how a whip is cracked. It is most often caused by being rear-ended in a car accident. However, whiplash (aka neck sprain or strain) can also occur from sports injuries, physical abuse, and various other traumas, like falling.
It's important to remember that the body is remarkably resilient. Most individuals with whiplash recover within a few weeks by adhering to a treatment regimen that includes pain medication and physical activity. Others may not even realize they have received a whiplash injury until weeks or months later when the problem becomes persistent and leads to other issues.
Whiplash Symptoms
The most common symptoms of whiplash typically appear within days following the injury. These can include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Pain that intensifies with movement of the neck
- Reduced ability to move the neck
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Soreness or pain in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Some individuals may also experience:
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Problems concentrating
- Memory issues
- Depression
When To See a Chiropactor For Whiplash
Visit a whiplash chiropractor if you have neck pain or other whiplash symptoms after a car accident, sports injury, or other injury. Getting a quick diagnosis to rule out broken bones or other damage that can cause or worsen symptoms is essential.
Call or click below to contact the team at LSM Chiropractic today to start healing from whiplash.