Whiplash Treatment From Your Charlotte Chiropractor

Whiplash, an injury to the muscular and soft tissues in the neck region, occurs when the head is rapidly and forcefully thrust backward and then forward. It is one of the most common types of auto accident injuries in Charlotte. Whiplash often happens when someone is involved in a rear-end auto collision. The rapidly thrusting of the head may cause serious injury to the discs between the ligaments, muscles, tissue, bones and nerves in your neck as well as injury to the vertebrae in your spine. Whiplash is a much more serious injury than many people are aware of, without the appropriate chiropractic care, it can potentially progress into a debilitating injury.

When to Visit Your Chiropractor in Charlotte-Symptoms of Whiplash

If you were in an automobile accident and you suspect you may have symptoms of whiplash, you should visit your chiropractor in Charlotte as soon as possible. Symptoms of whiplash may include:

• Pain and/or stiffness in your neck
• Pain and/or stiffness in your back
• Numbness in your shoulders and/or arms
• Pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulder and arm
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and/or vomiting

It is important to note that the symptoms of whiplash may not occur right away; it may be a couple of days before you notice the symptoms and the pain may be persistent for a couple of hours to several months, depending on the severity of your injuries.

What Are The Long-Term Effects of Whiplash?

In most situations, whiplash is a short-term injury; however, it is an extremely painful injury and in some situations, the effects of whiplash can last for several years. One of the most common reasons why you may experience long-term effects is the result of not taking the time and getting the appropriate chiropractic care to heal properly.  Some of the lingering, long-term effects of chronic whiplash may include:

• Isolation, because the pain prevents you from doing things you once enjoyed
• Dependency on prescription drugs
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, which includes locking of the jaw, speech problems and pain that extends from the ear to your temple
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Anger

Treatment for Whiplash

The recommended chiropractic treatment varies, depending on the severity of your injury. Your chiropractor will generally do an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to determine the extent of your injuries. Mild cases of whiplash are often treated with heat/cold therapy, laser treatments and massage therapy. Your chiropractor may recommend a neck brace be worn to provide immobility, which will allow for correct healing and help to prevent further damage of the spine and/or neck.

If you are experiencing neck and/or back pain from injuries you sustained in an automobile accident, it is essential that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, including scheduling a consultation with your chiropractor in Charlotte. Keep in mind that your pain and the symptoms of whiplash may not show up right away and it can worsen, so the sooner you seek medical attention, the sooner you can begin to treat your injuries and relieve your pain.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Charlotte Chiropractor

If you think you may have whiplash or other neck and back injuries from an automobile accident, contact Weig Chiropractic Center today to schedule an appointment.