While many people experience minor upper back and neck pain, whiplash is a more severe condition that can often be debilitating. Whether you've been diagnosed with whiplash or you suspect you may have it, you're probably looking for answers. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of the condition and review your possible treatment options to help you get back on your feet.

Causes

Whiplash is caused by a sudden jerking motion of the head and neck, which leads to damaged muscles, nerves, ligaments, or discs. This most frequently occurs due to car accidents, but other situations can cause it as well, including sports injuries, an awkward fall, or a push from behind. It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of your neck pain since the symptoms might not start until hours or days later.

Symptoms

Neck pain and stiffness are both clear indicators that you may have whiplash, but other, lesser-known symptoms should also not be ignored. If you were in a car accident or another physically traumatic incident and start experiencing headaches, fatigue, or anxiety within a few days, you may have whiplash. It can be hard to diagnose with certainty, but an MRI, CT, or X-ray scan can help.

Treatments

With whiplash comes muscle tightness and inflammation, which can be treated by a chiropractor. They'll reduce pain and facilitate healing through spinal manipulation techniques that help realign your whole body. They'll also be able to tell you what vitamin supplements will help and when you need rest, exercise, or heat treatments to get you back to your usual self.

You don’t have to live with the pain of an injury. At South Main Chiropractic Clinic in High Point, NC, you can find relief for headaches and back, knee, and neck pain, among other ailments. They also accept walk-ins and same-day appointments, so you can get relief as soon as possible. Call (336) 885-5200 or visit their website to make an appointment.