4414 Florida National Dr., Lakeland, Fl 33813
WHAT IS WHIPLASH?
Whiplash occurs when the neck undergoes rapid, forceful movements, often due to car accidents. Depending on the impact direction, your neck can jerk backward and forward or from side to side, causing at best case muscle stretching that can cause tearing on the muscular tissue producing pain and tenderness.
The front neck muscles, about the size of a pointer finger, typically feel sore after an accident, especially where they connect to the clavicle and just below the earlobe. The rear neck muscles, starting from the base of the head and extending down the back, may also become tender, particularly at the base of the head and where the neck meets the shoulders. The tenderness can show up 2-3 days after a car accident.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms may not appear immediately but usually, develop within 24 hours of the accident. The following are possible symptoms that whiplash sufferers may experience:
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Neck pain and stiffness.
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Tenderness in the tissue.
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Decreased range of motion.
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Headache, generally located at the base of the skull and radiating toward the forehead.
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Fatigue.
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Dizziness.
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Blurred vision.
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Ringing in the ears.
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Irritability.
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Difficulty with concentration.
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Memory lapses.
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Sleep disturbances.
Whiplash Diagnosis and Treatment
Researchers attribute whiplash to the neck moving beyond its normal range of motion, damaging ligaments and muscles. In severe cases of injury and this is common the spinal disks can also be stretched or torn at the front and back of the disk, leading to long-term issues like disk bulging and herniations in both the neck and the lower back. The disk tearing and bulging can be seen in MRI & CT imaging studies.
Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further complications like chronic stiffness in the neck or more severe limitations like pain from the neck down into the upper mid back or pain and numbness that radiates down into the are or hand. Many people face years of chronic pain, headaches and other problems after suffering whiplash.
Medical doctors often address these symptoms with rest and a range of medications, from over-the-counter meds like Advil and Tylenol to stronger prescription medications. While medicine can help alleviate discomfort, they don't directly address the underlying issue of whiplash or aid in its repair.
HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT WHIPLASH?
Treating whiplash requires a comprehensive approach that combines chiropractic care, physical therapy, stretching, and exercise. We start by thoroughly assessing your injury, conducting orthopedic, neurological, and spinal examinations, and utilizing diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI's to pinpoint the exact location and severity of your neck pain.
Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, inflammation, and stabilizing your neck to prevent further damage. If you have torn tissue in the neck and lower back, it may take 2-3 weeks of icing the muscular tissue and gentle stretching and light muscle manipulation/massage to keep your body/joints moving preventing them from stiffening and preventing fibrous or scar tissue from being deposited. After the first few weeks we then increase the muscle work and begin to gently adjust the joints to keep your joints feed up while your tissue heals. Toward the end of your care we introduce exercises and stretching movements to rehabilitate the joints and help you to avoid reinjury or aggravating the neck and lower back to support your recovery and prevent future issues.
At Spinal Solutions Chiropractic, During each visit, we integrate chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage/muscle work to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Physical therapy includes tailored exercises performed under the guidance of our assistants/physiotherapists, while muscle work targets damaged tissue for flexibility and strength and healing.
If you're seeking effective treatment for whiplash injuries in Lakeland or auto accident chiropractic clinic, we are here to provide comprehensive care. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to help you relieve pain, restore healthy movement, and get you feeling your best safely and effectively.