What to Know About Whiplash: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Whiplash. The word may sound a little intimidating, and the condition can certainly be uncomfortable, but fortunately it is a common injury that responds well to chiropractic treatment.

Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury that occurs due to sudden and forceful jarring of the neck in a back and forth motion, which is why it is often caused by rear-end car accidents. Other rapid movements such as falling or playing sports can potentially cause the injury as well.

Here are the three important things to know about whiplash.

Symptoms

Whiplash usually manifests with noticeable tightness in your neck and shoulders following a sudden, violent movement that snaps your neck back and forth. The injury occurs when the ligaments, discs, or muscles in your neck get out of alignment. Other telltale signs include muscle spasms, headache, and a limited range of motion in your neck.

Treatment

Sometimes the pain goes away on its own in a few days, but when it persists or if the discomfort is more acute, medical help may be needed.

Chiropractic care can treat whiplash in a number of ways. Special neck exercises and stretches will help relieve tension and pain in the area and increase your range of motion. Your chiropractor will also make sure your neck and upper spine are in proper alignment to reduce any pressure on the nerves that whiplash may have caused.

Prevention

Because whiplash can occur from any violent and sudden movement, it can be challenging to prevent, especially if you’re active in sports or other physical activities. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk.

Make sure to adjust the head restraint in your car to the proper height for neck and head support. This will limit your range of movement in your seat should a rear-end accident occur. Regular chiropractic adjustments and exercises can help minimize or prevent whiplash as well, because these treatments will keep your neck and spine aligned, reduce inflammation, and increase your range of motion. Together, these factors will guard against whiplash if the potential for the injury arises.

For more information or to ask any questions about treating or preventing whiplash, visit our website, or call us at 815-380-2180.

Kirkland Family Chiropractic Center

229 First Avenue Suite 2

Rock Falls, IL 61071