Have you recently been in a car accident? If you are suffering from the symptoms of whiplash, a trip to the chiropractor can help you get out of pain and back to your regular life. You might be surprised to learn that even minor car accidents can cause whiplash. Read on for information about this condition and how chiropractic care can help you feel better fast.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is most commonly caused by rear end collisions, though it can also result from a sports injury, amusement park ride, or physical abuse. It occurs when the head is thrown forward and backward forcefully during an impact. The sudden movement causes the neck’s tendons and ligaments to stretch and possibly tear. The force of the motion can cause symptoms that appear within the first 24 hours of injury. Pain associated with whiplash can last for months.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Neck pain or stiffness that may or may not worsen upon movement is the first thing to look for. Headaches that start at the base of the neck, loss of range of motion, tingling or tenderness in the shoulder, upper back, or arms, and dizziness can all be indications of whiplash as well. Prompt and accurate diagnosis can get you on the road to symptom relief quickly.

What to Expect From Your Chiropractic Treatment

The treatment plan that your chiropractor uses will greatly depend on the severity of your whiplash symptoms. The most common form of treatment is chiropractic adjustment, called spinal manipulation, which gently moves the spine and joints that are causing the problem and provides pain relief and restores normal movement.

Muscle relaxation and stimulation are also techniques that chiropractors can employ to help whiplash victims. These gentle stretches can relieve tension to muscles affected by the injury. Stimulation to pressure points can also relieve pain caused by whiplash.

Your pain associated with whiplash doesn’t have to be permanent. If your doctor has diagnosed whiplash after a recent car accident, chiropractic treatment may be the answer for you. If ignored, whiplash injuries can cause long-term chronic pain, loss of function of the affected area, or permanent damage. Contact your chiropractor today for an evaluation and to assess if they can help alleviate your whiplash symptoms.