Auto accidents and car crashes commonly cause injuries to those involved. These injuries can vary based upon the way the auto accident occurred, the speed of the car traveling, and the resulting impact of the crash itself.
The most common injury auto accident injury is whiplash, and while some may treat it as a minimal injury, it can be quite painful and devastating for those who experience it. If you believe this is something that you may be experiencing, continue for more information regarding what whiplash is and how to treat it following an accident.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs in the neck and happens when the neck is jerked very quickly back and forth, which happens frequently in auto accidents. The most common signs of whiplash include:
- Severe neck pain
- Stiffness
- Unable to move neck left to right
- Constant headaches or migraines
- Shoulder pain
- Fatigue
These symptoms often begin within the first 24 hours following the auto accident. Less common symptoms of dizziness and blurred vision can be related, and are signs of a much more severe case of whiplash. Whiplash is not an injury that should be left untreated.
What To Do After The Car Accident
Immediately after the auto accident, you should visit a chiropractor or an auto accident doctor to be checked out and diagnosed to see if you have whiplash. You could have alternative injuries in addition to your whiplash, and need medical attention.
Your adrenaline may still be pumping well after the accident, so you may begin to feel the stiffness of the neck and fatigue later in the day. Once you have received your diagnosis for whiplash, it is time to refer to the whiplash doctor or the chiropractor that specializes in whiplash treatment.
How Chiropractors Treat Whiplash
The goal of the Chiropractor is to ensure that the whiplash is a temporary injury and does not cause long-term damage. Once you have your whiplash diagnosis, make your appointment with your Chiropractor.
Initial Assessment
Chiropractors begin treating whiplash by performing an X-Ray on your neck and also checking the rest of your spine for any herniated discs.
Expect a thorough assessment of the neck, shoulders, and back area that are consistent with the accident and injury. At that time the Chiropractor will determine the extent of the injury. You will be provided with the following treatment plan:
- Required therapies within their facility
- Number of visits per week
- The number of weeks for treatment.
Expect an initial adjustment performed by the Chiropractor where the spine is manipulated by hand.
Regular Visit
Regular visits will often begin with a therapy session. This can include two or more of the following:
- Chiropractic Adjustment
- Spinal Decompression
- Massage chair
- Nerve Stimulation
- Ice and Heat Therapy
- Massage.
After the therapies have concluded, your Chiropractor will perform a manual adjustment after your body has loosened, and they can manipulate the spine in an attempt to correct the damage done to your neck and back during the whiplash.
What Is Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors are often referred to as whiplash doctor and focus specifically on spinal health and neuromuscular disorders by performing therapies and adjustments. The therapies that are growing in the chiropractic offices are designed to loosen the muscles and prepare your spine for an adjustment.
The adjustments are central to the chiropractic treatment and are performed to straighten out your neck and back, reversing the damage done by whiplash and other injuries. Essentially, the chiropractor is correcting your spine and straightening back out, maximizing its potential and integrity for your body following the damages.
Get The Proper Treatment For Your Whiplash
If you have experienced a recent auto accident and the symptoms of whiplash mirror what you are feeling, you need to get in contact with a Chiropractor. Because whiplash essentially throws your spine and muscles out of place, the chiropractor will focus in on that damage and reverse it to your relief. With the correct number of therapies and adjustments over the course of several weeks, your whiplash can be corrected with chiropractic treatment.