How Treating Whiplash with Chiropractic and Medical Care Benefits You

Many of us take our necks for granted—until they get injured and we realize that our neck muscles are involved in seemingly every movement we make. Whiplash is a common (but rarely medically diagnosed) condition that occurs when the muscles and ligaments in our back and neck have suffered a violent impact.

The pain involved in a whiplash injury can be debilitating if left untreated, making every movement—even standing still—painful and distracting. If you’re involved in an accident, it’s important that you seek chiropractic whiplash treatment in Naples, FL right away, as well as traditional medical treatments. It can save you from years of pain and suffering.

HOW WHIPLASH AFFECTS YOUR BODY

Whiplash occurs when your body is stable (often held in place by a seatbelt; car accidents are the leading cause of whiplash injuries) while your neck is thrust forward, back, and forward again. The neck is thrust into forward flexion, then hyperextension, followed by hyperflexion. This creates an S shape in the spine, which can result in torn or strained ligaments and muscles moving out of alignment.

You might not feel the effects of whiplash right away, which is why experts always encourage you to seek chiropractic and medical treatment immediately after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Most whiplash injuries present themselves within a day or two of the accident, but you might feel the symptoms come on gradually over weeks or even months.

Whiplash symptoms include shoulder and neck pain, stiffness, arm weakness or pain, jaw pain and headaches or fatigue. It’s important that you get both medical and chiropractic care as soon as possible. The earlier you’re treated, the more likely it is that you’ll make a full recovery with minimal pain.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS FOR WHIPLASH

Typically, traditional medicine will prescribe ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the inflammation, swelling and pain that whiplash presents. Severe neck injuries may require a neck collar and prescription painkillers.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR WHIPLASH

At Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute, we use digital video x-rays to get a full picture of your injuries and the source of your pain—usually torn or strained ligaments in your neck. Your treatment will likely include readjustment of the spine as well as VAX-D spinal decompression, trigger point injections, massage to address painful muscles and gentle stretches to promote strength and flexibility. Our specialists will work with you to make any necessary lifestyle adjustments to promote healing.

If you need additional treatment, regenerative medicine is available, so you can receive chiropractic and medical care all in one convenient location.
Leaving your whiplash untreated can result in insomnia, depression, fatigue and chronic pain—it’s important to get medical and chiropractic whiplash treatment in Naples, FL as soon as possible to avoid these life-altering issues.

To schedule your appointment at Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology/ Feel Amazing Institute, give us a call today. We’ll work with you to treat your injuries at their root cause so you can live a pain-free life.