Whiplash is one of the most common types of neck injuries. Typically caused during a car accident, whiplash can also occur during sports or from a fall.
Whiplash symptoms can appear immediately after an incident. Or, they can take weeks or even months to become noticeable. If you believe you’re suffering from symptoms of whiplash, then you may want to see a chiropractor in Lakewood like Renew Chiropractic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash
Is Whiplash a Common Neck Injury?
Whiplash is a common neck injury that can occur in multiple situations. Many patients get whiplash from a minor or major vehicle collision. Others get whiplash from falls – like a fall from a horse or bicycle.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
The symptoms of whiplash vary from patient to patient. However, the most common symptoms include lingering neck pain or stiffness. You might feel the symptoms of whiplash when you tilt or turn your head in any direction. Other common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and tingling in your arms, hands, and fingers. When left untreated over a long period of time, whiplash can lead to issues like anxiety and depression, especially for patients that are dealing with constant pain. Whiplash symptoms might occur immediately after an accident; or, they could take months or even weeks to become apparent.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Whiplash?
Whiplash recovery times vary widely based on the injury. If your whiplash has caused a minor muscle strain, then neck pain might only be a short-term problem. Strained ligaments or damaged nerves, however, can mean long-term pain and a longer recovery time. Everybody has a different timetable when recovering from trauma. In general, patients can expect it to take several weeks or months to fully heal from a neck injury even when undergoing chiropractic care.
What Kinds of Treatments Can Reduce Whiplash-related Pain?
Talk to your chiropractor about the best treatments for your whiplash injury. In many cases, the best way to heal from whiplash is to stay physically active. Return to work as soon as it’s safe to do so. Practice activities that reduce stress on your neck. Those who stay active during the recovery process typically recover more quickly than those who remain inactive.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat My Neck Pain?
A chiropractor will use techniques like Chiropractic BioPhysics and active release therapy to relieve pain from neck injuries. Chiropractic BioPhysics adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment while relieving pressure on muscles and nerves. Soft tissues in your neck can often become damaged. Getting a Chiropractic BioPhysics adjustment will restore normal blood flow to these areas, making it easier for your body to heal the area at a faster rate.