A common auto accident injury, whiplash is a condition caused by an abrupt forward or backward jerking of the head. Also known as a neck strain or sprain, it can lead to severe pain and other symptoms that may last for months or even years. With prompt treatment, though, many people are able to fully recover from whiplash without any lasting effects. 

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is known as an auto accident injury, especially in rear-end collisions, but it can also occur whenever the head moves abruptly, such as during a fall, while playing sports, or as a result of physical abuse. It gets its name from the type of movement, which resembles the cracking of a whip. This sudden, violent movement can cause damage to different parts of the spine and neck, including the neck muscles, discs, ligaments, nerves, and joints between the vertebrae. 

The Symptoms of Whiplash

In some cases, the symptoms of whiplash aren’t immediately apparent. Many patients don’t begin experiencing symptoms, which typically begin as neck pain and stiffness, until 24 hours or more after the injury. 

Neck pain isn’t the only sign of whiplash. Some of the other symptoms include:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in the shoulders or between the shoulder blades
• Headache, usually at the base of the skull
• Dizziness
• Fatigue, confusion, and difficulty concentrating
• Numbness or tingling in the arms

Some whiplash patients also experience vision problems, as well as mood and sleep disturbances. In extreme cases, especially among those who were already living with chronic pain or who are older, the effects of whiplash can become chronic and are likely to be more severe. 

Treating Whiplash

Because the effects of whiplash aren’t always obvious, it’s essential to be examined immediately after an auto accident injury. Doctors generally recommend icing the neck for the first 24 hours, then performing gentle stretches to reduce pain and stiffness, assuming that the exam doesn’t reveal more serious injury. For ongoing pain and discomfort, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and massage are recommended to reduce the symptoms.

If you are recovering from an auto accident injury like whiplash and want to reduce your discomfort, contact Smith Chiropractic Clinic in Concord, NC. This practice is led by Dr. Andy Smith, who has served Cabarrus, Rowan, Mecklenburg, and Stanly counties since 1978. Dr. Smith takes a personalized approach to care and creates a custom functional medicine and rehabilitation treatment plan suited to your individual needs. Learn more about different treatment options online or call (704) 788-3126 to schedule an exam.