Whiplash is a term that denotes the abrupt jarring of the skull in a backward and forward motion due to a forceful collision. The primary triggers of whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) are vehicular accidents, though it can also be a result of other abrupt movements such as those encountered on roller coasters.
The ripple effect of this violent motion manifests as injury to the neck. WAD not only induces neck pain, but it also incites a myriad of other symptoms, which if untreated, can escalate into chronic conditions. Lake Stevens Chiropractic has distinguished itself as a pioneer in the realm of whiplash therapy, boasting a certification in whiplash injury biomechanics and traumatology from the Spine Research of San Diego.
Are you grappling with pain and require immediate relief? Reach out to us or discover more about our Whiplash Treatment.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Following a whiplash-associated disorder episode, an individual might encounter a diverse range of symptoms. They can fluctuate from mild to severe and may metamorphose in the aftermath of the accident. It’s worth noting that while lower back pain and whiplash injury might seem unconnected, lower back pain can indeed be an offshoot of whiplash. Whiplash symptoms commonly include:
Neck pain
Headaches
Upper back pain
Arm or shoulder discomfort
Lower back pain
Muscle spasms
Stiffness
Sleep disturbances
Weakness
Tingling or numbness
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Jaw pain
Memory loss
Our primary concern revolves around ligament injuries, muscle damage, and joint capsule injuries. Frequent symptoms associated with whiplash injuries include neck pain and headaches, and sufferers often report dizziness, tinnitus, or what’s known as tendonitis, nausea, and occasionally even vomiting. Often, individuals will lament pain, numbness, or tingling extending down to their arms and hands. They’ll commonly experience mid or lower-back pain. The kind of treatment administered is crucial for yielding optimal outcomes.
Are You Experiencing Neck Pain or Headaches After a Car Accident?
Neck pain and headaches are the most ubiquitous whiplash symptoms, although these greatly diverge among patients. If whiplash treatment isn’t sought post-accident, these issues may become chronic, leading to several additional complications. In fact, 40-50% of those with chronic neck pain can trace their condition back to a whiplash history.
Should I Seek Whiplash Treatment?
A reason that whiplash injuries lead to chronic symptoms is that many individuals do not seek treatment post-accident. Minor accidents with negligible damage to the vehicles often lead the occupants to dismiss the need for care. However, if the vehicle was unscathed, it’s highly likely that your body bore the brunt of the impact.
In addition to low-force impact, some accident victims don’t notice any immediate symptoms. Their attention might be preoccupied with potential vehicle damage, insurance information exchange with the other party, or getting back to work. At the same time, adrenaline levels surge, making it challenging to detect symptoms.
Whiplash symptoms typically commence as mild but intensify over days or even months. For some, the symptoms lay dormant until years later, meaning that the damage is far more extensive and takes longer to treat due to the buildup of scar tissue. Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to seek whiplash treatment within 48 hours of an accident, even if you perceive no immediate harm.
Contact us today before your symptoms exacerbate.
Whiplash Injury Treatment | Lake Stevens Chiropractic
Treatment strategies for whiplash injuries can significantly vary based on the severity of symptoms. Recommendations could range from ice and rest for minor muscle strains to medications and surgery for more severe injuries.
A post-accident visit to a chiropractor is strongly advised for its conservative approach and a treatment plan geared towards long-term healing. Our team at Lake Stevens Chiropractic is adept at diagnosing and treating whiplash symptoms. We conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the best course of action to alleviate your neck or back discomfort. Treatments at our facility may comprise:
Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments aid in mobilizing joints and re-aligning the spine to its correct position.
Neuromuscular Rehabilitation: Often our patients are prescribed personalized exercise programs.
Car accidents can lead to more than physical pain and injury, often causing substantial stress. We are prepared to assist you with any paperwork or accident reports required by your insurance company.
Whiplash Treatment Example
A recent patient was an unfortunate victim of a car accident, experiencing joint and ligament injuries in his neck and lower back when his car was hit from behind on a highway. As a result of the accident, instability was identified in his neck where the ligaments were not holding the bones together properly. This caused irritation of the nerves, potentially causing early degenerative changes and disc damage.
Whiplash Treatment Plan
Our goal is to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility by focusing on mechanical issues rather than relying on medications. We guide individuals through a comprehensive and personalized treatment process to promote proper healing and prevent long-term problems.
One common issue we address is injuries to the neck and lower back. After a thorough examination and review of any necessary X-rays, a personalized treatment plan is prescribed. We work with several MRI centers and can refer you as needed. Treatment often consists of adjustments to restore normal mobility and alignment, postural exercises to rebalance muscles, and postural traction to rehab injured ligaments. We work with medical professionals and coordinate care should the need arise.
The objective is not only to alleviate discomfort and improve mobility but crucially, we aim to foster correct healing of injuries to prevent long-term problems. We will guide you through the process of treating your whiplash injuries.
Whiplash Treatment Experts
If you have been in a car accident, please reach out to Lake Stevens Chiropractic, and send us a message to schedule an appointment for a discussion about whiplash treatment. We are conveniently located in Frontier Village across from Safeway, in Lake Stevens.
Lake Stevens Chiropractic is here to assist you in the path of recovery following a car accident. Our experienced team of chiropractors will help you understand your symptoms, devise a tailored treatment plan, and guide you through the process of healing.
We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team is committed to providing you with not only chiropractic care but also support throughout the administrative processes that come with accidents. We are always ready to help you with insurance documentation or any accident reports that may be requested by your insurance company.
At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, our priority is your well-being. We have seen firsthand the long-term consequences of untreated whiplash and strive to ensure that our patients get the necessary treatment as soon as possible to prevent chronic pain and complications.
Remember, even minor accidents can result in whiplash, and symptoms may not manifest immediately. Therefore, we encourage anyone who has been involved in an accident to seek a medical evaluation within 48 hours, even if they feel fine initially.
Don’t let the complications of whiplash affect your quality of life. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Call us today to begin your journey toward healing and recovery.