Although whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries you can experience, not a lot is known about it. In fact, because symptoms can only start to show up weeks after the accident, some patients may not even attribute it to their accident and consequently, dismiss it as neck pain that will go away with time. However, this can have long-lasting consequences. In this article, we share with you what you should do about whiplash after a car accident.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when the ligaments in your neck are pushed out of their proper alignment that accommodates the natural curve of the spine. One misconception is that whiplash can only occur with rear-end collisions. The truth is that you can suffer from whiplash regardless of the type of car accident you were involved in. Although women are more likely than men to suffer from whiplash due to lower muscle mass and higher muscle flexibility, anyone who has been involved in a car accident can experience whiplash.
Symptoms of Whiplash
You may not even know you have whiplash until weeks later as symptoms can take some time to show up. Symptoms include:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Upper back pain
- Lower back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Headaches or migraines
- Tingling or burning sensations in your muscles
Regardless of how soon after your car accident you start to experience these symptoms, you should always seek out medical attention timely. This will help to prevent long-term complications from developing.
Seeking Out Treatment Options for Whiplash
The doctor’s office may be a good place to get muscle relaxers or pain medications, however, to fully recover from whiplash, the best treatment option is chiropractic care. An experienced and certified chiropractor will first take a spinal X-ray to determine where the misalignments have occurred and from there, formulate the best course of treatment for you. This can include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and more.
The recovery time for whiplash will largely depend on the severity of your condition. A good estimate is about three months with consistent visits, however, this can take up to six months for more serious cases. While the body can heal from whiplash on its own, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will heal correctly. As your muscles adjust to being in a misaligned position, this can cause chronic pain which will require surgery to fix in later life.
RejuvenX Can Offer Whiplash Treatment Following Your Car Accident
Are you suffering from whiplash in the aftermath of a car accident? RejuvenX can help you on your path to recovery and regaining your full range of mobility. When you come to us, we will recommend the most suitable treatment options based on the severity of your condition as well as your needs. Our professional team is dedicated to making a positive difference in our patients’ lives. Please contact us today to book an appointment and get started.
