Whiplash is one of the most common injuries people sustain when involved in a car accident in Lithia Springs.
It's also an injury that most people don't even realize they have and don't seek treatment until the pain becomes unbearable.
By that time, you may have already developed complications related to the injury.
That's why you should seek out medical attention after any car accident you're involved in.
It's vital to get the treatment you need for whiplash as soon as possible to keep your injury from turning into a chronic issue.
In the article below, we'll dive deeper into whiplash and learn the best treatment options.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Whiplash
- How To Treat Your Whiplash
- Exercise
- Physical Therapy
- Chiropractic Care
- Contact The Arrowhead Clinic of Lithia Springs
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when a person's head moves backward and then forward suddenly and with great force.
This is a prevalent injury following a rear-end collision because of the impact on your car.
Some other events that can cause whiplash include:
- Physical abuse
- Contact sports
- Horseback riding
- Cycling accidents
- Slips and falls
- Blows to the head
Whiplash results when the soft tissues of your neck extend beyond their typical range of motion.
Your symptoms might not appear right away, so it's essential to pay attention to any physical changes for a few days following an accident or injury.
If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of them, there's a possibility you have whiplash:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constant weariness
Typically, whiplash is a relatively mild condition, but it can cause chronic pain and discomfort if left untreated.
You should see a chiropractor if you're experiencing any symptoms to get a treatment plan worked out for you.
However, you must see a doctor immediately if any symptoms spread to your shoulders or arms, if it becomes painful to move your head, or you have numbness or weakness in your arms.
How To Treat Your Whiplash
The goal of whiplash treatment is to control the pain and restore your normal range of motion so you can return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
The treatment plan your chiropractor comes up with will depend on the severity of your injury.
Some people need to take a quick trip to the pharmacy and complete some at-home care.
Others might need a more intense treatment plan, including several visits to their chiropractor, specialized pain treatment, or physical therapy.
Exercise
Your chiropractor can recommend several stretching and mobility exercises to restore the range of motion in your neck and get you back to your routine.
Some of these exercises are:
- Neck rotations
- Tilting your head from side to side
- Putting your chin on your chest
- Rolling your shoulders
Before you begin these exercises, it's good to apply moist heat to the painful area or take a warm shower to help ease the pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help you feel better and can even prevent further injury.
Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve posture, and restore your normal movement.
The amount of physical therapy needed will vary from person to person and depends mostly on the severity of the injury.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is an excellent choice when it comes to treatments for whiplash.
By using several different techniques, your chiropractor can assist in relieving pain and encouraging healing in the areas affected by the whiplash.
With spinal manipulation, your chiropractor can gently move the involved joint towards the restricted area. This helps create mobility and encourages healing.
With calm, gentle stretches to the affected muscles, your chiropractor can relieve built-up tension.
Sometimes these stretches are combined with 'finger pressure techniques' on specific pressure points to relieve pain.
McKenzie exercises reduce disc derangement caused by whiplash.
The first set of exercises happens in your chiropractor's office, but they can be used at home as well.
This gives you more control in your healing process.
Contact The Arrowhead Clinic of Lithia Springs
No matter how severe your accident, you should always seek medical attention.
It could take hours, days, or even weeks for symptoms to occur, and that's why you should see a chiropractor after your accident, no matter how you feel.
Choosing not to receive treatment could lead to other complications, making your road to recovery much more difficult.
Visiting our Lithia Springs Whiplash Injury Chiropractor after an accident is the best way to get your whiplash diagnosed and treated.
If you don't have a chiropractor, the folks at the Arrowhead Clinic in Lithia Springs offer free consultations to all first-time patients.
Click the button below to set up your free consultation.
