One of the most common injuries we see after someone is in a car accident is whiplash. I’m sure by now we all know whiplash is bad, but what exactly is it? What kind of treatment do you need to receive for it? There are dozens of questions that people have about whiplash, and they don’t often get asked until after someone has already been diagnosed. While we obviously don’t want you to end up diagnosed with whiplash, we always think it is a good idea to be familiar with the signs and symptoms, so here is a brief overview of the disorder:
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sharp, fast head movement front to back that resembles the movement of a whip. This usually occurs as the result of a car accident, but is also sometimes seen in abuse cases and sports injuries. Often, a case of whiplash will result in the victim having neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. It can, however, also include loss of movement, tingling or numbness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, irritability, trouble focusing, memory issues, depression, tenderness, tinnitus, and sleep difficulties just to name a few. While it is always important to see a doctor after a car crash, it is even more important to do so if you suddenly develop even a single one of these symptoms so that you can get the proper treatment and documentation for whatever you may need it for.
Most people who develop whiplash can often self-treat it until it gets better within a few weeks, but you always want to double check that any pain you feel isn’t from something like muscle damage or a fracture. It is especially important to seek medical attention if you have had whiplash before, are older, or have a pre-existing condition that can be aggravated by a condition like whiplash. It is different for every person, so it is always a good idea to get checked by a doctor just in case you have more risk factors and don’t even know it.
Receiving chiropractic care after a car accident is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. If you were hurt in a crash, you need to come into DiBella and let us help you with your pain. Getting the proper care is important, so we will do everything we can to get you back to normal. Call us today and see what a difference it makes!
