How to Recover from Whiplash

If you’ve experienced any violent or forceful movement of your neck and head, whiplash is a likely result. It’s important that you begin treatment early to have the best shot at a full recovery. Discover how you can recover from whiplash with help from AllCare Chiropractic. 

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a common and painful injury most often associated with car accidents. However, any incident involving hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical spine (neck) can result in a whiplash injury. Other causes of whiplash include:

• Sports injury
• Falls
• Abuse
• Amusement park rides

The type and severity of your symptoms and pain may depend on the circumstances of your injury.

Whiplash symptoms

With mild whiplash, regardless of the cause, the telltale signs are often similar, including pain and stiffness.

More severe instances of whiplash, on the other hand, may be powerful enough to involve traumatic brain injury or nerve damage. Symptoms of more severe whiplash may include one or more of the following:

• Neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Vision changes
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Stiffness
• Numbness
• Sleep disturbances
• Jaw pain
• Mood changes
• Tingling
• Weakness 

Fortunately, most moderate symptoms subside on their own within a few days or weeks, but some individuals aren’t so lucky. Prolonged symptoms associated with whiplash require early intervention to prevent the condition from worsening or causing permanent damage.

Whiplash diagnosis

If you’ve been involved in a traumatic event such as a car accident, it’s crucial to assess your injury right away at a medical facility. That way, you can get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment started as quickly as possible. 

At your appointment, your doctor may monitor your range of motion to locate specific pain points. They may also order tests such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to determine the seriousness of your whiplash before customizing a recovery plan. 

Whiplash treatment

If your early whiplash symptoms are mild, over-the-counter painkillers, immobilizers, ice, and heat may be sufficient to do the job.

If your pain increases or doesn’t get any better within a few weeks, it’s time to consult with the specialists at AllCare Chiropractic about more intensive whiplash treatment to help you heal. 

Whiplash recovery options may involve a combination of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and chiropractic care to increase your range of motion and minimize any pain you’re enduring. 

Whiplash injuries can result in debilitating, lasting pain and weakness. Early intervention is key to a successful recovery. For conclusive diagnosis and personalized treatment, have your symptoms assessed at AllCare Chiropractic. Call us or schedule your visit online today.