What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a painful neck injury that occurs after your head suddenly jerks backward and forward with rapid force. This injury is typical when you’ve been rear-ended in a car accident or while playing a high-impact sport, such as football. You might feel pain in your head and neck immediately following the trauma, or whiplash symptoms may appear several hours later.
Whiplash is an injury of the soft tissue and bones in your upper spine. If left untreated, whiplash injuries can leave you with chronic neck pain, back pain, and headaches. It’s best to get evaluated for whiplash as soon as possible after a traumatic event so you can begin healing and prevent future complications.
What are common whiplash symptoms?
The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Limited range of motion in your head and neck
- Upper back pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness or tingling down one arm
Depending on the severity of your injury, your whiplash pain and discomfort ranges from mild to extremely painful. You might also experience dizziness, blurred or double vision, insomnia, and stress. Left untreated, whiplash symptoms may lead to increased dependency on prescription medications, depression, and memory problems, as well.
How does a chiropractor treat whiplash symptoms?
With his extensive training in trauma, whiplash, and electrodiagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, Dr. Bell expertly diagnoses the underlying cause of your pain and other symptoms. He has a state-of-the-art digital X-ray suite so you can come in for X-rays after an accident. Depending on your specific injury, your customized treatment plan may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments using a variety of techniques
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Rest, heat, and ice therapies
- Range of motion exercises
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Thor® Class 3B laser therapy
Additionally, Dr. Bell may recommend massage therapy as a complementary treatment to regular chiropractic adjustments. He takes the most natural approach to relieve your symptoms and provide proper healing for your spine, muscles, and ligaments, long term.
If you or a family member were in a car accident or suffered a sports injury, don’t wait to get help for whiplash symptoms. Call Bell Chiropractic Injury and Pain to schedule a consultation today or book an appointment online.
