Do You Need a Chiropractor for Whiplash?

Whiplash is a deceptively painful and complex injury. With whiplash, pain goes from nearly nonexistent to potentially immobilizing within hours or days.

Contact Brandon Chiropractic Associates to speak with an outstanding Brandon physical therapist or chiropractor for whiplash.

Whiplash Explained

Whiplash is an injury caused by the sudden jerking of the head back and forth, such as in a car accident. The jerking force causes pain and injuries beyond just the head and neck, such as: 

●  Bulging or tearing of the soft spinal disks

●  Irritated nerve roots within the spinal cord

●  Misalignment of the vertebra

●  Overstretched or torn muscles and ligaments of the head, neck, and back

●  Reduced range of motion of the neck and back

Whiplash Symptoms

Signs of whiplash do not always present immediately following trauma. After experiencing whiplash, it is best to limit motion to prevent further injury.

Whiplash indicators:

●  Dizziness

●  Fatigue

●  Headaches

●  Lower back pain

●  Neck pain

●  Stiffness or reduced range of motion

●  Tingling of the nerves

Whiplash Treatment

Evaluation by a chiropractor for whiplash is essential for anyone injured in an accident. An assessment is critical in cases where symptoms may not present, but you may need neck and shoulder pain relief.

Whiplash treatment begins by evaluating for:

• Compression of the nerves or cervical spine
• Inflammation of the nerves or muscles
• Ligament or spinal disc injuries
• Muscles spasms

Once identified, treatment involves reducing inflammation or swelling before working on mobility and range of motion. Chiropractors and physical therapists offer treatment through:

• Electrical stimulation
• Massage
• Soft tissue adjustment
• Spinal manipulation
• Trigger point therapy

Early Intervention

Early intervention following trauma is key to preventing whiplash injuries and symptoms. Early intervention includes a thorough evaluation by a licensed professional. Do not wait to get an assessment as soon as possible following an incident.

Early treatment to reduce inflammation or swelling will decrease the likelihood or severity of any whiplash symptoms. Once a reduced range of motion or muscle-tightening sets in, it could impede your ability to function for several days. These symptoms may even impact your ability to work or care for your family.

Early detection and treatment are especially vital if you have experienced whiplash or similar symptoms in the past. Subsequent injuries to the same muscle or ligament areas may inflict more damage or pain.

Brandon Chiropractic Associates is a chiropractic care provider with highly experienced and professional staff. We regularly evaluate and treat injuries resulting from physical trauma.

Want to know more about auto accident chiropractors or speak with a chiropractor for whiplash? Call us today at (813) 689-1883.