Whiplash is a common injury following car accidents, with symptoms that may initially go unnoticed. In the aftermath of a car accident, shock, fear, and adrenaline can often mask symptoms of whiplash.
The stress of dealing with insurance companies and vehicle repairs can be increased by whiplash injuries, turning everyday movements into moments of agony. The frustration can mount as your freedom of movement turns into constant irritation.
But fear not, a hero is waiting to ease your pain and restore your health: Chiropractic Care. Let’s untangle the details of whiplash and how chiropractic care can offer relief and a path back to a life of health and well-being.Â
What is a whiplash injury?
The Mechanism of Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck moves rapidly and forcefully beyond its normal range of motion. This sudden motion stretches and can damage the neck's muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The impact of the collision can also lead to misalignments of the spine, causing further discomfort and restricted movement.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately following an accident, sometimes taking hours or even days to manifest fully. Common symptoms include:
Neck pain and stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness following a car accident, particularly involving sudden impact, is a common symptom of whiplash. It often presents as tightness, soreness, or neck and upper back discomfort. This stiffness typically occurs due to sudden and forceful neck movement, which may strain or sprain the tissue of the neck.
The stiffness may not immediately appear after the accident, sometimes taking hours or even days to become noticeable. However, once it sets in, it can significantly limit the range of motion in the neck, making it difficult to turn the head from side to side or even tilt the neck forward or backward without experiencing pain or discomfort.
Headaches
Headaches following a whiplash auto accident are a common and distressing symptom experienced by many individuals. Headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and type, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Understanding these headaches' characteristics and potential causes is vital for effective treatment and management.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain is a common symptom of whiplash injuries and auto accidents. The force of the accident and the seatbelt location can affect the muscles and nerves that stabilize the shoulder and neck, leading to injury and pain that may radiate to the shoulders. A recent study showed following auto accidents, shoulder pain is present in about 1 in 4 whiplash patients. More specifically, about 9% of whiplash patients may have subacromial impingement of the shoulder, which can limit the shoulder's range of motion1.
Concussions, Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty concentrating following an auto accident and whiplash can stem from the physical and psychological toll of the injury, including pain, discomfort, and stress. Whiplash can cause neck and head trauma, impacting nerve function and blood flow to the brain, which can disrupt cognitive processes like concentration and focus.
Chiropractic care aims to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying musculoskeletal issues through spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy.
Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and improve blood flow to the brain by promoting proper neck range of motion and reducing tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
This improvement ultimately enhances cognitive function and concentration.
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Decreased range of motion (ROM) following an auto accident often stems from soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, and spinal misalignments, particularly in the neck and upper back. These injuries can restrict movement and lead to pain and discomfort.
At Skyline Chiropractic, we combine various techniques to help improve neck ROM and decrease pain. These include gentle spinal manipulation to realign the spine, soft tissue therapy, exercise, and several other modalities.
These chiropractic adjustments reduce inflammation while restoring proper function to the affected joints. Additionally, at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine, Dr. Zorn and Dr. Zuupe use soft tissue techniques, such as passive and active release and stretching exercises, to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.
Tingling or Numbness in the arms
Numbness and tingling following an auto accident can often indicate nerve compression or irritation resulting from spinal misalignments, "pinched nerve," or herniated discs in the cervical or lumbar spine. The accident's impact can cause disc injuries, such as bulges or herniations, which put pressure on nearby nerves. When pressure on a nerve occurs, it can cause numbness, tingling, or radiating pain in the arms or legs.
Chiropractic care can be crucial in managing these symptoms by addressing the underlying spinal issues.
Through specific interventions and personalized treatment plans, chiropractic care aims to enhance ROM, alleviate pain, and promote a smoother recovery process following an auto accident.
How do you know if you have a whiplash injury?
Identifying a whiplash injury involves recognizing specific symptoms and understanding the circumstances that led to the injury. Was there a recent trauma or accident?
Whiplash can commonly result from rear-end car accidents but also from a fall or sports trauma. Â
Examining joint motion, tenderness, and swelling following an injury can also help determine if a whiplash injury has occurred.Â
If whiplash is suspected or you were involved in a traumatic event, seeking a professional medical evaluation is recommended.
At Skyline Chiropractic, we see auto accident patients daily and perform thorough evaluations, including X-rays and diagnostic testing when necessary.Â
If you suspect you have a whiplash injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. A timely evaluation can help prevent complications and promote recovery.
How long does it take for whiplash symptoms to appear?
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Whiplash symptoms can appear immediately after an injury or may be delayed several days following the initial trauma.Â
Neck, back, or shoulder pain may be present initially, and you may only initially feel uncomfortable or mild soreness. The symptoms tend to worsen as the hours after an accident occur and can typically peak at 72 hours post-injury. Symptoms can worsen for days, weeks, or even months after an accident.
Why Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including those resulting from trauma such as auto accidents and whiplash injuries. Here's how chiropractic care at Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine can benefit individuals suffering from whiplash:
Spinal Adjustment: Chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to realign the spine, relieving pressure on the affected nerves and promoting healing. These adjustments can help restore proper alignment and range of motion in the neck.
Soft Tissue Therapy: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques such as massage therapy or myofascial release to alleviate muscle tension and promote blood flow to the affected area. This can help reduce pain and stiffness associated with whiplash.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors tailor treatment plans to each individual, considering factors such as the severity of the injury, the patient's overall health, and any pre-existing conditions. This personalized approach ensures patients receive targeted care addressing their needs and concerns.
Drug-Free Pain Relief: Chiropractic care focuses on natural, noninvasive methods to relieve pain and promote healing. Medications often mask pain and can lead to habit formation and unwanted side effects. Furthermore, medications do not fix the underlying structural problems that can occur with whiplash injuries. Â
Preventive Care: Beyond treating the symptoms of whiplash, chiropractors emphasize preventive care to reduce the risk of future injuries and promote long-term wellness. This may include ergonomic adjustments, exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, and lifestyle recommendations to support spinal health.
How long can a whiplash injury last?
Depending on the severity of the trauma, whiplash injuries can last days, weeks, or even years. A timely evaluation is necessary to assess the injury and devise a treatment plan. The earlier the assessment, the faster recovery can begin.
Factors that can increase the likelihood of long-term pain include:
Age
Having a history of neck or back pain
Having previously experienced whiplash
Whiplash caused by a high-speed accident
An underlying pathology of the joint, such as rheumatoid arthritis
Not correctly managing pain, delaying careÂ
Conclusion
Whiplash is a painful and debilitating condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, especially if left untreated. Seeking prompt medical attention, including chiropractic care, is essential for managing symptoms and promoting recovery. Chiropractors play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from whiplash and regain optimal health by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting natural healing processes.
If you've been involved in an automobile accident and are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, don't wait to seek treatment. Call Skyline Chiropractic and Sports Medicine today at 724-203-0783 or email us.Â
Abbassian A, Giddins GE. Subacromial impingement in patients with whiplash injury to the cervical spine. J Orthop Surg Res. 2008 Jun 27;3:25. doi: 10.1186/1749-799X-3-25. PMID: 18582391; PMCID: PMC2443117.
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