Whiplash Injury Symptoms

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, or neck strain caused by a sudden jolt from an impact such as a car accident, is one of the most common injuries associated with auto collisions. However, whiplash is not just limited to car crashes- it can be caused by a variety of incidents that create sudden force from an impact. Athletes who play contact sports such as football are prone to whiplash and neck strain.

When sudden force causes your neck to strain, this results in damage to the tendons, which are bands of tissue connecting muscles to bones. This differs from a neck sprain, which is caused by damage to the ligaments, or tissues which connect bone to bone. Regardless of whether you are suffering from a strain or a sprain, the treatment will be similar.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Symptoms of whiplash can be as painful as they are sudden. Intense neck pain, decreased range of motion, and a feeling of tightness in the neck are all common symptoms. Patients often describe the muscles in their neck as feeling “knotted.” Whiplash victims also experience pain when moving the head from side to side or back and forth, and may also suffer from headaches that radiate from the base of the skull towards the forehead. Though neck strain is sometimes immediate following a forceful impact, other patients report symptoms not showing up until hours or days after the incident.

In addition to the usual symptoms, the blow that caused the whiplash can sometimes cause a concussion. Patients who experience concussion symptoms following an accident should seek medical attention immediately.

How Long do the Symptoms Last?

Whiplash symptoms should subside on their own in time, but simple home treatment such as icing your neck for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days and taking NSAIDs such as Advil or Motrin to ease your neck pain can help with recovery. Other treatments which can be administered at your chiropractor’s office, such as ultrasound therapy and massage, can also help make your neck feel better and speed up your healing time.

Contact Family Chiropractic Care Today!

If you are suffering from whiplash as a result of a recent injury, Family Chiropractic Care is here for you. We offer a wide range of treatment from manipulation to massage in order to help with pain management and get you back to your old self quickly. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation appointment with our caring, experienced staff. We proudly serve patients in Kelso, WA and surrounding areas. Contact Family Chiropractic Care today for your whiplash injury treatment and see what we can do for you!

Contact Information

(360) 636-2636
1815 Hudson Street
Longview, WA 98632

Get in Touch

Find Us On Google Maps!

<# } #>