Combine Chiropractic and Medical Care to Treat Whiplash

When you have whiplash, it’s imperative that you start treating your symptoms with medical and chiropractic care in Naples, FL. The faster you start addressing the injury, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to reduce long-term effects. Even if you feel fine after a car accident or other high-velocity impact, your spine and muscles might not show symptoms until days or weeks later. Don’t risk subjecting yourself to a lifetime of neck pain—seek help immediately.

LONG TERM EFFECTS OF WHIPLASH

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are thrown forward, back and then forward again at a high speed. This causes your muscles to enter forward flexion, hyperextension and finally hyperflexion, which strains the spine and causes it to form an “S” shape. Whiplash is often caused by car accidents, but any impact while your body stays in one place as your head and neck are violently thrown forward can have the same effect.

Whiplash symptoms commonly develop hours or days after an accident, but in some cases, they may not be evident for weeks, months or even years. If you fail to address the symptoms, you could be in for a long, painful road to rehabilitation—since the muscles in our necks and spines move so frequently, any damage can cause lasting and often excruciating pain. You’re likely to experience neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, jaw pain, fatigue and headaches.

COMBINING MEDICAL AND CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Seeking chiropractic and medical treatment for your injuries is the best way to prevent further damage. Your medical doctor may prescribe ice, painkillers and a cervical collar to help keep your neck and spine in place while your injuries heal. In rare cases, surgery may be needed.

Chiropractors offer complementary, holistic treatments, including manual adjustments, massage, exercises and lifestyle change recommendations to help ensure the best treatment possible. Spinal adjustments help encourage the muscles to return to their normal positions, which decreases pressure on the nerves and prevents them from getting used to a strained or otherwise improper position. In turn, the ligaments and tendons will follow suit, relieving strain. Your chiropractor will work with you to examine your injuries and address the root cause, which should reduce your whiplash symptoms. Overall, treatment can take between a few days and a few months, depending on the severity of your injuries and how long they were left untreated.

If left untreated, whiplash injuries can significantly worsen. You may experience chronic pain, inflammation, insomnia, fatigue, stress and anxiety as a direct result of your injuries. Some patients may experience joint damage for the first time, or notice that existing damage has worsened.

Whenever you’re in an accident, it’s wise to seek both traditional medical and chiropractic care immediately. Are you interested in finding out how medical and chiropractic care can treat whiplash in Naples, FL? Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology can help. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment for your whiplash symptoms, no matter how long it’s been since the accident.