Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, happens most often from a car accident, but it can also be caused by a sports injury, amusement park ride or a slip and fall accident. Typically whiplash happens from an accident in which your car is rear-ended by another car. When your neck snaps forward and then backward in a sudden, quick motion, it causes great stress on your neck and spine. Here is info you need to know to determine if you need whiplash treatment:
Symptoms of Whiplash
The symptoms of whiplash are hard to ignore. They can include:
- Tenderness and stiffness of your neck
- Headache in the base of your neck
- Pain in your arm or shoulder that could reach down to your hands
- Tingling in your extremities
- Poor sleep
- Decreased range of motion
Whiplash Treatment
So, what all is involved in whiplash treatment? Your injury rehab specialist will review your medical history as well as perform a physical and neurological exam. They will ask you questions to determine how exactly the whiplash was caused. Then your injury rehab specialist will use the appropriate diagnostic testing to determine if you have any soft tissue injuries. This could include an X-ray or MRI. An experienced injury rehab specialist will be able to make a detailed plan for your whiplash treatment based on the findings in the exams.
This whiplash treatment plan can use multiple modalities, including spinal manipulation and spinal decompression. Along with these modalities, whiplash treatment can include icing your neck, avoiding harsh or sudden movements, and gentle exercises to increase your range of motion. These all aim to reduce inflammation and treat your soft tissue injuries.
Whiplash treatment is an important part of your recovery plan after a car accident or other injury. Grennan Chiropractic Injury Rehab are specialists in injury rehab including whiplash treatment. If you have been in an accident and exhibit any signs of whiplash, make an appointment with us today.