One of the most common reasons people scour the internet looking for a chiropractor Clermont Fl residents trust is to treat whiplash. Whiplash is a condition resulting from sudden impact causing your neck and back to violently jerk back and forth. Most people with whiplash only have to deal with mild muscle strains and/or ligament sprains that heal within weeks or even days. As a chiropractor Clermont whiplash sufferers often come to, however, we know from personal experience that sometimes whiplash symptoms can last much longer. Depending on the severity of initial symptoms, the long-term prognosis for whiplash patients can vary widely. Here’s a guide on whiplash symptoms to watch out for and how to handle them.
A Chiropractor Clermont Fl Trusts Discusses Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash occurs when your head is forced forwards and backwards in a whip-like motion, irritating the ligaments and muscles in your neck. Some common causes of whiplash include:
- Sports injuries
- Car accidents
- Falls
Some common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Stiffness in your neck and pain or difficulty moving your head
- Neck pain that may spread to the arm, head, and upper back
Sometimes symptoms of whiplash may not become apparent for hours or even days after the time of injury, which is why it’s essential to get checked out as soon as possible after a car accident or any major impact. A healthcare professional will examine you and check your strength and range of movement. There may also be further tests such as X-rays or CT-scans involved depending on the injury.
Treatment For Whiplash
Treatment for whiplash depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild to moderate whiplash, self-care options such as rest, OTC pain relievers, and applying ice/heat to the area may suffice. Other treatment options include:
- Physical therapy by a qualified health professional
- Chiropractic care to help muscles and ligament heal and realign your musculoskeletal system
- Injections: An injection may be used to target a specific area if the pain is intense. Examples include cervical epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, and cervical facet joint injections
- Psychotherapy to help with trauma or psychosomatic symptoms associated with an accident
- Acupuncture, in which thin needles are placed in various strategic parts of the body by a licensed acupuncturist to relieve tension and pain
- Massage therapy may be utilized as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments like manual manipulation or physical therapy. Massage done by a licensed massage therapist can reduce pain by increasing blood flow while soothing muscle spasms and tension.
- Radiofrequency neurotomy is a procedure that targets specific nerves to prevent the facet joint from sending pain signals. This treatment is typically performed as a last resort when the pain lingers after more holistic treatments are unable to help
Contact Us Today
Whiplash is an extremely common condition that typically goes away on its own with some good ol’ fashioned rest. However, if pain and discomfort persists, you may require further treatment. As a chiropractor Clermont Fl residents trust, Taylored Wellness has helped numerous whiplash sufferers get back to pain-free lives. Call Taylored Wellness to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor Clermont can count on today.