Many people seek chiropractic care in Plymouth Meeting after experiencing an auto injury, and one of the most common injuries is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are rapidly whipped back and forth, much like the cracking of a whip. While rear-end collisions are the most frequent cause of whiplash, it can also result from other forms of trauma, such as falls, accidents, or abuse.

A large number of people in Plymouth Meeting who’ve been in an accident don’t realize they’ve suffered a whiplash injury until weeks or even months later, when persistent pain and other issues start to develop. If your neck has been injured in an accident or any other incident, this article will help you understand the symptoms of whiplash and how chiropractic care can play a key role in treating it.

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Whiplash in Plymouth Meeting

When the neck is forcefully whipped back and forth, as it often is during car accidents, contact sports like football, or even from physical trauma such as an assault, a number of things can go wrong in the spine and surrounding soft tissue. Whiplash refers to the initial impact, but the consequences can be far-reaching, including:

  • Disc bulges and herniations
  • Subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine)
  • Injured bones in the spine
  • Irritated or damaged nerves
  • Pulled ligaments and muscles in the neck

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Whiplash injuries can vary from mild to severe. The severity often depends on factors like the positioning of the headrest—if it’s too low, the injury can be more significant. In cases of severe impacts or a low headrest, bones may be broken, or tissues could be damaged. It’s always a good idea to see a chiropractor for a thorough evaluation, including X-rays. Even if the impact seemed mild, whiplash can still occur, and you might experience symptoms such as:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain when turning the head
  • Limited range of motion in the neck
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression

As you can see, whiplash can result in a wide variety of symptoms, some of which may not immediately be linked to a neck injury. Even if you’ve been cleared by a doctor, your pain might still be related to whiplash, and you may need further treatment to address it. If you’ve recently been in an accident or trauma, it’s essential to have your spine checked as soon as possible. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.

Chiropractic Care for Car Accidents

Since whiplash often impacts the spine, nerves, and surrounding tissues, chiropractic care is an excellent treatment option. Chiropractors are trained to assess the source of pain from whiplash injuries and design a personalized treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and non-invasive, helping to relieve pain and support recovery. Many patients experience significant relief and are able to return to full function with chiropractic care.

If you’ve been in an accident or suspect you may have whiplash, call our team at Restoration Spine and Wellness today to learn how chiropractic care can help you recover and restore your health.