A common auto accident injury, whiplash is activated at least 24 hours after the auto accident and can cause considerable pain if it is not treated properly. Learn how to tell if pain after an auto accident could be whiplash, and how to get it treated effectively.
What are Common Whiplash Symptoms?
Whiplash is a type of neck strain that has many symptoms. Core symptoms that suggest your neck pain could be whiplash include migraines, headaches, vision problems, fatigue, reduced mobility, neck stiffness, and pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to get checked out right away. Whiplash will not go away on its own. In fact, the condition will only get worse over time.
Why See a Chiropractor With Whiplash Symptoms?
Many people are unsure whether to see a medical doctor or a chiropractor after an auto accident. A medical doctor can fix broken bones. If you hit your head in the crash, a medical doctor can rule out a concussion. However, medical doctors are not the best choice for soft tissue injuries, which are common after auto accidents.
Chiropractors understand the musculoskeletal system and take a holistic approach to soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries. They are uniquely qualified to check your muscles, spines, and joints after trauma such as an auto accident. Chiropractors have been trained to identify symptoms of car crash injuries that affect the spine and muscles, including whiplash.
A chiropractor can work together with a medical doctor, so you receive the best care for your injuries. It does not need to be a case of either/or, but how to best address your injuries to promote a full recovery.
How Chiropractors Treat Whiplash
Chiropractors use their hands and special tools to restore the cervical spine, which runs through the neck, to its natural alignment. This relieves any trauma that occurred in the car crash.
Chiropractic adjustments soothe the body’s self-healing system, the nervous system. Every adjustment releases endorphins that control pain and reduces inflammation that causes pain and stiffness. Adjustments increase circulation in afflicted areas, helping the body recover from trauma.
While it can take several visits to treat whiplash fully, many patients feel the impact after their first adjustment.
If you were in an auto accident and have a stiff neck, see a chiropractor to rule out whiplash. Since chiropractic provides healing without the use of medication, it is a safe choice for patients of all ages.