Whiplash is defined as damage to the soft tissues of the neck as a result of a sudden force that whips the head forward and backward. Most cases of whiplash will heal on their own, but in some cases serious problems arise as the years pass.
There’s no definite way to know how severe a case of whiplash is without a proper examination by an orthopedic specialist, so in order to avoid the long-term health effects of whiplash when untreated by a chiropractor in Jonesboro, it’s vital for you to get checked out, especially if you have recently been in a car accident or suffered a bad fall.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Neck pain and stiffness are the most well known symptoms of whiplash, but several other symptoms may be present. If you suspect whiplash, look out for:
- Swelling, redness, bruising, or other discoloration of the neck
- Dizziness
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Headache
- Blurred eyesight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Pain in the upper or lower back
If you have recently experienced any type of physical trauma that could have caused whiplash and you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, call a doctor immediately to make sure that your injury heals properly. If your injury doesn’t heal properly it could mean reduced range of motion and chronic pain later on.
Untreated, whiplash can lead to:
- Premature Cervical Spondylosis
- Premature Degenerative Disc Disease
- Disc herniation
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- TMJ Disorder
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Horner’s Syndrome
- Chronic vertigo
- Insomnia
- Chronic headaches
Treat Before It’s Too Late
It’s best to get screened for any injuries within 24 hours of an accident, but sometimes that’s not possible. If you had to wait, there’s still hope. Accident insurance probably won’t cover the cost of treatment because reporting the injury more than 24 hours after the accident gives the insurance company room to suggest that something other than the accident could have caused the injury, but you can find relief.
Whether you were recently in a car accident, or you were injured years ago, proper chiropractic treatment can help. A qualified chiropractic practitioner can encourage the healing of a new injury and soothe the pain and stiffness of an old one.
Accidents happen, and sometimes injuries can’t be avoided. Proper treatment can make them a thing of the past, rather than a trial for years to come.