Whiplash is a common neck injury that occurs when your neck is quickly forced back and forth. Whiplash is a painful injury that causes several symptoms. At Glaccum Chiropractic Center, we have been providing residents of Thomasville, GA with natural and effective neck pain treatment for many years. Following are the answers to questions our chiropractor frequently receives regarding whiplash treatment.
What Causes Whiplash?
There are a few common causes of whiplash including:
- Car accidents: Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash. When you are hit from behind, the impact can force your neck back and forth, causing whiplash.
- Excessive shaking: Excessive shaking can cause whiplash. This is a common issue in babies with shaken baby syndrome.
- Contact sports: Whiplash is a common injury in contact sports, such as football, hockey, and boxing.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
In some cases, the symptoms occur immediately after the accident. In other cases, it can take days for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Headaches that begin at the base of your skull
- Pain in your shoulders, arms, and upper back
- Numbness or tingling in your arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Less common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with your memory
- Irritability
- Depression
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
Whiplash can be diagnosed during a physical exam. Tests performed to confirm whiplash diagnosis include:
- Range of motion in your neck and shoulders
- The degree of movement that causes your pain to increase
- Tenderness in the neck, shoulders, and back
- Reflexes
- Sensation in your limbs
Although whiplash cannot be detected on imaging tests, such as an x-ray, CAT scan, or MRI, our chiropractor may order one of these tests to rule out any other condition that could be causing you pain.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Immediately after the accident, your doctor can prescribe a prescription pain reliever and muscle relaxers to make you more comfortable. They may also give you a neck brace for stability. Although these treatment options are effective, they are only short-term options. For long-term solutions to neck pain and immobility, contact our chiropractor. Our chiropractor will assess your musculoskeletal system to determine the extent of your whiplash injury before creating a chiropractic care plan to address it. It will take several visits to eliminate your symptoms, but you will feel some relief after your first appointment. Over time, chiropractic adjustments will relieve your pain, restore your mobility, and improve your body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Contact Our Chiropractor for Neck Pain Treatment in Thomasville, GA
For more information on whiplash or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor, call Glaccum Chiropractic Center today at (229) 226-3101.
