How Chiropractors Can Help Whiplash
By Sara Butler
When people think of whiplash, they often think of automobile accidents, but there are actually several ways you can get whiplash. Amusement park rides, sports, or slipping on a wet floor are also common causes of whiplash. In order to stay healthy, it's important to understand what the symptoms of whiplash are so you can be on the lookout for them to bring to the attention of the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. Here's what you need to know.
Whiplash Defined
So, what is whiplash anyway? The fancy name for whiplash is a cervical acceleration/deceleration injury. Basically, it's damage that can occur to the structures in and around your neck such as the tendons, ligaments, muscles, vertebrae, nerves, and discs from hyperflexion or hyperextension of your neck when your body experiences a sudden acceleration and deceleration that moves your neck forward and back violently.
The symptoms associated with whiplash can vary wildly, but in general, you should be on the lookout for these incredibly common symptoms:
- Loss of movement in your neck
- Pain in your arms and hands
- Stiffness in the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Pain in the face or jaw
- Fatigue
- Numbness in arms or hands
- Dizziness
- Problems sleeping
- Blurred vision
If you have other conditions such as osteoporosis, past whiplash injuries, or joint dysfunctions and restrictions, then you may be predisposed to whiplash injuries when involved in an accident or another mishap. Also, it's important to be aware that the symptoms associated with whiplash may not appear immediately. Often, these symptoms can appear days to weeks later, which is why most people don't associate them with a whiplash injury. That's why it's important to see a chiropractor after an accident or fall for an assessment and to ensure you don't have whiplash before symptoms appear.
See the Chiropractor
The sooner you are seen after an accident for whiplash, the more you can ensure that you won't suffer from long-term effects such as damage to the bones in your spine, damage to nerves, pain, and loss of function. The chiropractors at The Joint can assess your injuries and perform hands-on chiropractic adjustments to help reduce irritation and restore range of motion as well as proper blood flow to the surrounding muscles and joints. They have a lot of experience dealing with whiplash injuries and can use that expertise to help you.
If you suspect whiplash, don't wait! Come to The Joint today for an assessment.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.