Many individuals in Texarkana turn to chiropractic care following an automobile accident. One common auto injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are forcefully whipped from back to front, similar to the cracking of a whip. Rear-end collisions are a frequent cause of whiplash in car accidents. However, whiplash can also result from other traumas, accidents, abuse, or falls.

Often, individuals involved in accidents in Texarkana may not realize they have sustained a whiplash injury until weeks or months later when the problem becomes persistent and leads to other complications. If you have experienced a neck injury in an accident or another incident, this article will help you understand whether you have a whiplash injury and how chiropractic care can assist in its treatment.

request an appointment

WHIPLASH IN TEXARKANA

When the neck undergoes a forceful back-to-front whipping motion during a car accident, contact sports like football, or occasionally due to assault or physical trauma, various issues can arise within the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Whiplash refers to the initial impact, but the consequences can include:

  • Disc bulges and herniation
  • Subluxations (misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine)
  • Injured bones in the spine
  • Irritated and damaged nerves
  • Strained ligaments and muscles in the neck

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH?

Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe. The severity of the injuries tends to be greater when the headrest is positioned too low. If the impact was significant or the headrest was improperly adjusted, there is a possibility of broken bones or tissue damage. It is highly recommended to visit a chiropractor for a comprehensive examination and x-rays. Even if the impact seemed minor, you may have whiplash if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Neck pain
  • Pain in the shoulders, upper back, and arms
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain when turning the head
  • Inability to fully move or turn the head
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression

As evident, there is a wide range of symptoms, and not all of them may be immediately attributed to whiplash. Even if you have been cleared by a doctor, your pain could still be related to whiplash, necessitating treatment to address the issue. If you have recently suffered an injury, it is crucial to have your spine examined as soon as possible. The earlier you commence treatment, the lower the likelihood of the problem developing into a long-term issue.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR AUTO ACCIDENTS

As whiplash primarily affects the spine, nerves, and surrounding tissues, chiropractic care is an excellent approach for treatment. Chiropractors possess the expertise to assess the source of pain associated with a whiplash injury and develop an effective treatment plan. Chiropractic treatments are gentle and non-invasive. Through minor adjustments, individuals often experience substantial pain relief from whiplash and embark on the path to complete recovery. Contact our team at Ark-La-Tex Health Center to explore how chiropractic care can aid in your whiplash recovery.