Many car accident injuries can be noticed right away.
However, whiplash is one of those injuries that may take hours or days to present symptoms.
That's why it's hard to tell if they have whiplash after a car accident.
But there are some telltale signs of whiplash that all accident victims should look out for to know if they should seek treatment for whiplash.
Below we will take a look at ten symptoms of whiplash and how to treat it.
Table of Contents
- How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?
- Common Signs of Whiplash
- Chiropractic Care For Whiplash
- Chiropractic Care at Arrowhead Clinic
How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when there is a forceful or rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip.
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs during motor vehicle accidents.
The type of sudden movement caused by impact forces the ligaments and muscles in the neck beyond their normal range of motion.
Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe.
This is why it's always best to see a chiropractor after suffering from whiplash to ensure that it does not worsen or linger to evolve into chronic (long-term) pain.
Common Signs of Whiplash
Signs of whiplash can begin to present themselves within 24 hours after an automobile accident, while some symptoms of whiplash may form days to weeks after.
The most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness.
The neck muscles will often become stiff to limit movement and range of motion to protect the neck from further injury.
Some people experience stiffness in their shoulder blades or the area between the shoulder blades.
Ten common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred Vision
- Sleep Disturbances
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Irritability
- Depression
- Memory Problems
- Fatigue
- Worsening Pain with Neck Movement
Having these signs and symptoms does not automatically mean you have whiplash, but they are likely symptoms you may experience if you have.
The only way to know if you have whiplash is to be seen by an experienced Chiropractor.
Chiropractic Care for Whiplash
You should seek medical treatment as quickly as possible after a car accident.
Chiropractors are typically your best choice, especially when dealing with a whiplash injury, but physical therapy may also be a method suggested for optimal healing.
If you go to the ER or Urgent Care Center, they often suggest over-the-counter medication or prescribe you pain medications like muscle relaxers.
Pain medications may seem appealing up-front, but all they do is mask the pain you are feeling rather than correct the cause of your whiplash symptoms.
As a result, many people put off the care they need until they reach a level of severe pain and the condition is much worse.
When it comes to whiplash, the longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse your injury can become.
You also risk suffering longer or potentially permanent damage because you did not receive treatment in time.
You are still encouraged to seek chiropractic care even if you aren't experiencing symptoms immediately.
Your chiropractor will be able to diagnose and begin treatment of your injury before it can worsen or become a chronic problem.
They may want to have x-rays taken to see detailed images of bone placement to asses severe whiplash cases.
It is vital to develop a specific treatment plan for you after they thoroughly understand your medical history.
If necessary, your chiropractor will work closely together with other healthcare providers, as stated above, such as your primary care physician or a physical therapist, to ensure you are receiving the proper medical attention needed.
Chiropractic Care at Arrowhead Clinic
Chiropractors are experts at treating whiplash injuries allowing you to achieve normal movement quickly.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option, and minimal recovery time is needed.
The Chiropractors at Arrowhead Clinic in Decatur have been offering care of whiplash injuries for years.
If you were involved in an accident and think you might have whiplash, do not put off seeking medical treatment.
Our whiplash injury chiropractors in Decatur offer a free consultation to see how we can best assist with your recovery to return you to your daily activities as soon as possible.
Click below if you were in an accident and believe you're suffering from a Whiplash Injury.
