Many different kinds of accidents lead to instantaneous injuries, such as car accidents, falls, amusement park accidents and sports injuries. What many people may not realize is that they can also lead to other long term issues such as whiplash. Whiplash is a type of neck injury that often involves a neck sprain or a neck strain. If you’ve been in a car accident, you probably will ask yourself, “Do I need an auto accident chiropractor?”
What Should I Do If I Have Whiplash?
When you seek care for your immediate injuries, you may not even notice the effects of whiplash at first. While immediate medical care is crucial, you may still experience symptoms from whiplash for a much longer period of time. If you do continue to experience symptoms, such as neck pain, from whiplash, you should seek additional care, like that of a car accident chiropractor.
Today, we will take a look at what whiplash is, how it can happen and what the best treatments for it are.
How Do You Know If It’s Whiplash?
Whiplash happens when the soft tissue of the neck (muscle, tendon and other tissue) is injured because of being suddenly flexed or suddenly extended. More than half of whiplash cases happen because of car crashes. Other common causes include falling, bicycle accidents, sports injuries, workplace injuries and amusement park or fair accidents.
Most people who suffer from whiplash actually develop symptoms sometime between two hours and two days after the initial accident. Back pain along with stiffness are the most common complaints of people who sustain whiplash. Other symptoms that are commonly suffered include pain throughout the neck and shoulder region, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness and difficulty swallowing.
If you have been in a vehicle accident, it is absolutely imperative that you seek professional medical attention and then call one of our car accident chiropractors. Even if your injuries seem minor at the moment, you could have long standing problems because of these injuries, including whiplash.
A physical exam by a doctor in addition to possible tests which might include x-rays, CT scan, and MRI will be needed to determine if the pain you are feeling is from whiplash or a different culprit.
How is Whiplash Treated by a Auto Accident Chiropractor?
Controlling pain and restoring your range of motion are two of the biggest considerations when treating whiplash, because this is what will get you back to your normal day to day routine and activities. Common ways of achieving this objective are:
- Rest
- OTC Pain Medications
- Heat or Cold
- Injections
- Prescription Medications.
How Can a Auto Accident Chiropractor Help?
Skilled chiropractors, like the expert team at North Atlanta Chiropractic Center, can alleviate pain and help to stimulate healing in injured or affected areas. There are several types of techniques that chiropractors can use to help alleviate the pain and stiffness that can be caused by whiplash.
Chiropractic Adjustment
The most commonly used treatment for whiplash is chiropractic adjustments. Spinal manipulation encourages healing and helps to create mobility.
Muscle Relaxation and Stimulation by a Auto Accident Chiropractor
Another very commonly used treatment for whiplash is muscle relaxation and muscle stimulation. This type of therapy treats tight muscles with light stretching and contractions.
McKenzie Exercises
These are specifically designed physical therapy exercises for back and neck pain. These exercises are a tool that your chiropractor can teach you that you will be able to use at home. McKenzie Exercises are an incredibly effective treatment for whiplash.
Lifestyle Counseling
Your car accident chiropractor can help advise you about lifestyle changes that can help aid in pain control and the healing process. Things such as posture, exercise and diet all play a part in helping you heal from whiplash.
Auto Accident Chiropractor in Lawrenceville
If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing back pain, neck pain or any other symptoms of whiplash, you should seek the help of a local chiropractor.
North Atlanta Chiropractic Center specializes as a car accident chiropractor and is conveniently located between Lawrenceville and Duluth. Visit them online now to schedule your free consultation or call (770) 830 3924.
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