You probably think of whiplash as a result of a car accident when you think of whiplash. A whiplash injury is caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movements of the neck, and it isn’t unique to car accidents. In addition, to rear-end car accidents, whiplash can also be caused by sports accidents and falls.
It is common to suffer from whiplash. Whiplash affects more than two million Americans every year. A whiplash injury occurs when the head suddenly snaps forward and backwards, creating a whip-like motion. Whiplash injuries often go unnoticed by many people until the problem persists and causes other problems like headaches.
The spine and surrounding soft tissues can be damaged when the neck is whipped forward and back again. Whiplash injuries can result in disc bulges and herniations, subluxations(misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine), injured bones in the spine, irritated nerves, and pulled ligaments and muscles. Basically, whiplash can cause damage to your cervical spine area that isn’t immediately apparent.
There is a wide range of severity when it comes to whiplash injuries. Things that seem mild may actually be severe. The good news is that they can be treated quickly and efficiently even though they are symptoms of more severe injuries.
If you experience any of these symptoms after whiplash, visit a chiropractor immediately:
● Neck pain
● Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain
● Headaches
● Blurred vision
● Pain when turning the head
● Inability to move or turn the head fully
● Dizziness
● Tiredness
● Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
● Ringing in the ears
● Difficulty sleeping
● Depression
Advantages of Chiropractic Care
Relieving pain naturally
Chiropractic treatments, such as spinal manipulation and adjustments, release pain-relieving hormones in your body. Hormones manage and relieve your body pain, but without the side effects of pain medication.
Reduced muscle inflammation
X-rays can’t show small tears or inflammation in your muscles and ligaments, but they can still be painful. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a substance produced by the body to combat tissue infections and injuries, is released by spinal adjustments and spinal manipulations.
A reduction in scar tissue
In some cases, scar tissue develops in muscles as a natural healing response. Stiffness and discomfort can be caused by these tissues.
By focusing on the scar tissue area, your chiropractor can relieve your discomfort.
Restored Motion
As a result of inflammation, blood, oxygen, and nutrients are restricted and the natural healing process is slowed down. Spinal adjustments mobilize your cervical spine and spinal cord, which hastens the healing process and can lead to immediate pain relief.
Whiplash Symptoms Treatment at McNeil Chiropractic
It is more likely for patients to recover from long-term health issues and body pain if chiropractic care is received immediately after an auto injury.
Your experienced chiropractic doctor at McNeil Chiropractic will conduct a thorough evaluation, consultation and X-rays to ensure that you’re qualified for chiropractic care. Referrals and co-treatments can also be arranged with other specialists.
Dr McNeil will come up with a customized treatment plan for your specific needs, including the methods, frequency, and cost. He will also document your progress until you reach full recovery and regain your health.
Contact McNeil Chiropractic at (502) 968-7272 to schedule a consultation and learn more about auto injury treatments and whiplash symptoms.