Whiplash is most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, but it can happen from any kind of trauma to the body. Sports accidents and physical abuse are often causes of whiplash. The name comes from the experience of the body, where the neck is jarred forward and then backward at a rapid pace, similar to the cracking of a whip.
If you’ve gone through an experience where whiplash might have occurred, it’s always best to seek our Charlotte chiropractic care right away to prevent future problems.
Why You Need To Watch For the Signs of Whiplash
People don’t always know when they have whiplash. It’s common for the symptoms not to show up for days after the event. Even then, the symptoms may seem like something you should tough out. We often wake up with a stiff neck and simply go about our days.
In the weeks following a whiplash incident, it’s essential to treat the problem. This will help with the immediate symptoms, and also prevent the issue from becoming a long term problem. While most people with whiplash will follow a treatment plan to help the injury, those who don’t sometimes develop life problems with neck pain or other complications.
6 Signs of Whiplash
1. A Loss of Range of Motion In The Neck
Whiplash can cause the muscles in your neck and shoulders to become so stiff that you can’t move your head from side to side. Because this seems like a symptom that could happen from sleeping at an odd angle, it might be something you try to suffer through. Watch out for this sign of whiplash, since it can get worse the longer it goes on.
2. Headaches, Dizziness, or Difficulty Thinking
These can all be signs of a concussion as well, so they’re something you should take very seriously.
3. Tingling Or Numbness
The pins and needles feeling could also appear as a burning. It most likely shows up in your arms. This can mean a pinched nerve or other issue from spinal misalignment in the neck.
4. Tinnitus (Your Ears Ring)
Are you hearing sounds that only you hear? The ringing can vary from person to person, but is not pleasant. If you have experienced whiplash, tinnitus is a sign something isn’t right.
5. You’re Having a Difficult Time Eating
Is it hard to chew or swallow? This could mean an injury to the esophagus and larynx. You’ll want to have this checked by a doctor right away.
6. Fatigue
It may seem normal to be extra tired after an accident. And it is! But it can also be a sign of whiplash. This is why so many experts recommend getting checked out by a professional after any major trauma to the body. It’s hard to notice what’s a symptom of whiplash and what may be a benign reaction to a traumatic event.
Consulting a Chiropractic After Physical Trauma
When you visit a Charlotte chiropractic clinic after a physical trauma, they’ll want to ask you for as many details as you can remember of what happened with your body during the event. They’ll then perform a thorough exam to see how you’re doing.
If you’re experiencing pain, a chiropractor can treat you with spinal manipulation that is natural and pain free to help you achieve relief right away. If you have whiplash or other injuries from the event, they’ll work with you to create a treatment plan so you can stay free of pain and in good health while you recover.
