Whiplash is a specific neck injury caused by the abrupt and forceful movement of the neck, resembling the crack of a whip. This sudden, powerful motion can occur in a back-and-forth or side-to-side manner, often damaging the muscles and soft tissues in the neck. For those in and around Knoxville, TN, experiencing neck pain due to a car accident or other traumatic events, our team at West Knoxville Medical and Chiropractic offers exceptional chiropractic care near you.
What Causes Whiplash?
The most common cause of whiplash occurs when you are a driver or passenger in a car that is rear-ended by another vehicle, especially if your car is stopped at the time of the crash. Depending on the speed of the collision, the age and gender of the individuals involved, and other factors, a whiplash injury can range from mild to severe, potentially causing debilitating pain. In addition to car accidents, traumatic falls or injuries sustained while playing contact sports can also lead to whiplash and back pain.
The Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash is a trauma-based injury, and its symptoms can be tricky to detect. They often take hours, days, or even weeks to fully manifest after the initial injury. Just because you feel no pain immediately after an accident doesn't mean you haven't sustained a whiplash injury. Delaying a chiropractor's assessment or treatment for whiplash can contribute to the development of chronic issues.
The most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Increasing stiffness and tenderness in the neck
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Unexplained fatigue or changes in sleep patterns
- Tingling sensations in one or both arms
- Dizziness, vertigo, or blurry vision
- Difficulty focusing
- Ringing in the ears
Whiplash Treatment Options
While some people are fortunate to recover with rest after a car accident or personal injury, most should seek help from a chiropractor to treat whiplash and its symptoms as early as possible. Chiropractic treatments aim to reduce pain and inflammation, offering a range of solutions, including:
- Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations
- Therapeutic stretching and exercises to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility
- Ice and heat therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Soft tissue therapy, such as massage
- A neck collar to immobilize and support healing during the acute phase of the injury
- Over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation
- Rest and activity/lifestyle modifications
Contact Our Chiropractor in Knoxville, TN
Our team at West Knoxville Medical and Chiropractic can help reduce whiplash pain and discomfort while restoring your flexibility, strength, and range of motion. We offer various non-invasive chiropractic adjustment options and complementary therapies. Contact a leading Knoxville car accident chiropractor near you today at (865) 287-5904 or reach out to us online.
