Should I See a Chiropractor for My Whiplash?

Whiplash is deceptive. You can walk away from a car accident feeling fine one day, but by the next, be completely unable to move your neck and in need of a visit to an auto accident chiropractor in Naples, FL.

WHAT IS WHIPLASH?

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object—picture the movement that results from cracking a whip. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments of the spine can be overstretched or torn.

The soft disc between the spinal bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can become irritated, and this can be extremely painful.

Common signs of whiplash include headaches, neck pain and stiffness. You might also be unable to move your neck, have shoulder pain and experience fatigue, dizziness or tingling. Due to compressive forces from the accident the injury can also be felt in the low back.

Whiplash can be worse if you’ve experienced it before, are of an advanced age or already had pre-existing back and neck pain. When you’re in a situation that could have given you whiplash, it’s important that you see your doctor and an auto accident chiropractor in Naples, FL immediately. From there, your chiropractor will use a combination of techniques to diagnose your whiplash.

WHAT CAN A CHIROPRACTOR DO TO TREAT WHIPLASH?

When your chiropractor examines you, they’ll look for ligament or disc injury, muscle spasms or weakness, and nerve inflammation or compression. After they’ve identified the precise issue, they’ll use a number of methods to treat your whiplash pain.

The first step, right after the injury, is to reduce inflammation. This can be accomplished through applying ice or an ultrasound, and may include gentle stretching exercises. Once the tissues and joints have returned to a more normal state, then the chiropractor will be able to address joint mobility issues.

Some techniques you may be familiar with already, such as spinal manipulation and soft tissue adjustment. Chiropractors use a variety of methods, including manipulation and adjustment using special instruments. Trigger point therapy, which encourages muscles to relax by targeting “trigger points,” has been successfully used to mitigate whiplash symptoms. Therapeutic chiropractic massage could be prescribed, or even electrical stimulation.

Overall, an auto accident chiropractor in Naples, FL will look at your individual symptoms and neck or back in order to form a treatment plan. Your recovery will likely cover several sessions, depending on the severity of your injuries. Don’t let whiplash get worse. Call a chiropractor today to let the healing process begin.

GET WHIPLASH CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT IN NAPLES, FL

Early intervention is key to treating whiplash. Call Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology in Naples, FL to get started on your treatment and prevent your pain from worsening. Dr. Hiler and his team have been working since 2001 to help the citizens of Naples recover from joint and muscle pain, including whiplash. Our team of professionals will help you get the care you need so you can move on with your life.