If you have neck pain after a car wreck, sports injury, or other type of accident, it’s possible that you experienced a whiplash injury. Research shows that 50% of people who suffer this type of neck condition develop chronic symptoms. In fact, whiplash is a common cause of disability and lawsuits.
At BodyWorks Medical Center in Carol Stream, Illinois, our dedicated team of chiropractors and integrated medical professionals are passionate about holistic health care and work diligently to resolve your neck pain. In this article, we share more about the causes and symptoms of whiplash and how we can help alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Understanding whiplash
Also called cervical acceleration-deceleration injury, whiplash is a sudden and traumatic back-and-forth motion that negatively impacts the joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, and ligaments in your neck. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, but sports injuries and outdoor accidents are often responsible as well.
Symptoms of whiplash
Whiplash symptoms don’t always occur immediately after your accident or injury. In some cases, they can show up weeks later. Some of the telltale symptoms include:
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Stiffness
- Upper back tenderness
- Impaired range of motion
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Memory loss
In addition, whiplash is often accompanied by a concussion.
Diagnosing whiplash
There’s no clear-cut test, X-ray, or lab that can make a definitive whiplash diagnosis. Our provider conducts a comprehensive exam that includes palpation as well as a check of your:
- Range of motion
- Reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Sensitivity
At your appointment, we discuss your medical history with you, learn more about the trauma you experienced, and consider your symptoms to determine if you do, indeed, have whiplash.
Treatment options for whiplash
At our clinic, we use the most conservative treatments possible to eradicate your pain, restore your function, and help you reclaim your quality of life. Some of the most effective therapies for whiplash include:
- Soft tissue manipulation
- Spinal manipulation
- Rehabilitation
- Functional exercises
- Spinal decompression
- Trigger point injections
- Gentle, targeted stretches
- Heat and ice therapy
- Electric stimulation
- Ergonomics education and training
Our team equips you with at-home therapies that you can use when the pain is acute or persistent. Some of the ways you can help minimize your discomfort at home include:
- Rolling or rotating your shoulders
- Moving your head from one side to the other
- Bending your head toward your chest
If you’re unable to work or enjoy your regular activities because of a whiplash injury, trust your care and recovery to our team at BodyWorks Medical Center. Call to schedule a consultation or book your appointment online.