In Waukee, many people seek chiropractic care after experiencing an auto injury. One of the most common injuries from such accidents is whiplash, which happens when the head and neck are abruptly whipped back and forth, similar to the motion of a whip. Rear-end car collisions are a frequent cause of whiplash, but it can also result from other traumas, accidents, physical abuse, or falls.
Interestingly, many residents of Waukee who are involved in accidents may not immediately recognize that they have sustained a whiplash injury. Symptoms can take weeks or even months to manifest and may lead to further complications. If you suspect that your neck has been injured in an accident or another incident, this article will help you understand how to identify whiplash and how chiropractic care can assist in its treatment.
Whiplash occurs when the neck experiences a sudden back-and-forth motion due to events like car accidents, contact sports, or physical trauma. This motion can cause various problems affecting the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Whiplash describes the initial trauma, but its consequences can include:
Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe, with more serious injuries often occurring when headrests are positioned too low. If the impact was severe or the headrest was not properly adjusted, there could be broken bones or damaged tissues. It’s essential to consult a chiropractor for a thorough examination and possibly X-rays.
Even seemingly minor impacts could result in whiplash if you experience any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms are varied, and not all may immediately point to whiplash. Even if a doctor has cleared you, your pain could still be related to whiplash and require treatment. If you’ve been injured recently, it’s crucial to have your spine examined as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent the issue from becoming chronic.
Since most whiplash cases affect the spine, nerves, and surrounding tissues, chiropractic care is an effective treatment option. Chiropractors are skilled in identifying the source of pain from a whiplash injury and developing a personalized treatment plan. Chiropractic treatments are gentle and non-invasive, providing significant relief from whiplash pain and promoting full recovery. Contact our team at Banning Chiropractic to learn how chiropractic care can aid in your whiplash recovery journey.
