Everything You Need to Know About Whiplash

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over two million people are injured in car accidents every year and many people suffer from whiplash as a result. While that is a lot of stiff necks, whiplash and the pain it causes is still not something that the average person understands. 

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to your neck that is caused by your head being knocked back and forth very rapidly. This is a common injury that is sustained after a car accident. Whiplash can also occur from slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, amusement park rides, and physical abuse, such as violent shaking. 

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms are specific to the head and neck area. You may have a stiff neck and shoulders, a headache at the base of your neck, and general soreness. Whiplash can also present as fatigue, dizziness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in your shoulders, arms, and hands. In extreme cases, you may even have blurred vision and memory issues.

Do whiplash symptoms start right away?

One of the trickier aspects of whiplash is that symptoms do not always present immediately after the injury occurs. They can take from several hours to a few days to appear. Patients often assume their pain is simply general soreness as a result of the accident, but it could indicate more serious issues. 

How long does whiplash last?

While most whiplash symptoms disappear after a few days, you could be sore or stiff for up to three months. Some patients even report pain for up to a year in extreme cases, particularly those involving high-speed car accidents where the patient was hit from behind. 

How do I know if my whiplash is serious?

You typically can't tell if your whiplash is serious without seeing a doctor. It is recommended that you see a doctor for whiplash treatment immediately after a car accident, especially if you were rear-ended. It is better to see a doctor only to be told that you will be fine after a few days of rest than to realize months later that your symptoms have only gotten worse. 

It is important to note that there is no specific diagnostic test to determine if you have whiplash. Neither x-rays nor an MRI can capture an image of that type of injury. It is important, however, to see a doctor so they can document the visit in your chart. They will make legal notes about your pain and other prevailing symptoms at the time of the appointment.  

How can a chiropractor help with whiplash treatment?

Chiropractors have many methods for treating whiplash. Depending on your symptoms, they include:

• Spinal manipulation. Chiropractors may perform a spinal adjustment to re-align your spine after an accident. They may also use similar techniques to alleviate pressure on a herniated disc. 
• Muscle stimulation. Your chiropractor may also use muscle stimulation and muscle relaxation techniques to stretch out muscles that are tense after an accident or injury. Releasing the tension can help ease your pain.
• Electrical stimulation. Specific injuries may also inspire a chiropractor to use electrical stimulation on your neck. A low-voltage charge is used that is completely painless. It can help reduce muscle stiffness by increasing blood circulation to that area. 

Chiropractors can also advise you on how to treat your injuries at home to continue your care and healing. 

What happens if you leave whiplash untreated?

When you experience a whiplash injury, the ligaments and muscles in your neck have been violently strained well past their typical range of motion. Leaving them untreated could lead to further damage, including soft tissue tears. Plus, there is no reason to suffer in pain unnecessarily when your local chiropractor can help ease your symptoms. 

Whiplash is not something you can shake off and ignore. If left untreated, it can cause more damage. See a chiropractor as soon after an accident as possible, even if you think your injuries may not be that severe.