Whiplash is the strain that occurs in your neck and shoulders when your head is suddenly snapped forward or backward. It is one of the most common injuries in vehicle collisions. If you feel any of the symptoms described below after a car accident, or even after a day of riding roller coasters, you should seek medical or chiropractic treatment for whiplash.

Common Indicators of Whiplash

1. Pain

The most common symptom of whiplash is pain. This pain tends to be in the neck and shoulders, though it may move down the upper back as well. Neck pain may worsen when you move your neck. In minor cases, this pain will go away within a few days. However, if the pain lingers, you’ve experienced a more serious strain that should be relieved with treatment.

2. Stiffness

Stiffness causes pain and reduces your range of motion. You may find it difficult to turn your head from side to side, tilt it toward your shoulders, or lean toward your chest. This limited range of motion isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be a problem in many common situations, such as when you’re driving and need to be able to look around.

3. Headaches

The stiff muscles associated with whiplash can cause headaches. These headaches often begin at the base of the skull, but they can be focused elsewhere as well.

4. Tingling

The effect on the spine can create a tingling sensation that runs down the arms. Depending on the severity, this may be a light tingling or a stronger sense of numbness.

5. Fatigue

You may feel unusually tired, even after getting a full night’s sleep. Some patients have trouble concentrating and have trouble with their memory, although it’s less common than other symptoms.

If your whiplash symptoms don’t go away a few days after the incident, it’s time to seek professional treatment. West Chiropractic Clinic, based in Soldotna, AK, provides natural, fast, and reliable chiropractic treatment to ease your neck pain and stiffness. Using spinal adjustments, they will treat the source of your symptoms for long-lasting results. Visit them online or call (907) 262-9171 to schedule your free chiropractic consultation.