Have you been in a car accident that involved whiplash? If your head was quickly being thrown forward and then backwards, you have. Whiplash is a type of neck strain, which is different from a neck sprain. A sprain is caused by the ligaments in the neck tearing, while a strain results in actual damage to the tendon or muscle in the neck. While in most cases the two are treated in the same way, there can be some instances in which they are not. If you experience whiplash, you may need to visit a chiropractor in order to get relief from the pain.
Whiplash Symptoms
The symptoms of whiplash may not always show up right away. You might walk away from a car accident or any other accident that results in the whipping forward and backward of your neck feeling fine. Several hours or even days later, however, you may begin feeling intense pain in your neck. That’s one of the most dangerous facts about whiplash – you may not even realize it happens when you’re at the scene of the accident. This means you may turn down medical attention or even tell the other people involved, the police, or medical personnel that you feel fine. Later, that statement could be used against you if you have to go to court.
What should you look for? Here are the symptoms of whiplash:
- Tightness, pain, or a decreased range of motion in your neck.
- Neck muscles that feel knotted or hard.
- Headache.
- Pain when moving your head back and forth or side to side.
- Pain when looking over your shoulder.
- Tenderness in your neck.
By visiting a whiplash chiropractor Phoenix citizens can have their neck and upper back examined for signs of whiplash and other damage. Often, a doctor or emergency personnel won’t know exactly what to look for because they haven’t had training that focuses exclusively on this type of injury. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit a chiropractor.
Whiplash Isn’t Always Obvious
The biggest reason you need to see a chiropractor is because whiplash isn’t obvious. If you’re cut, bruised, or even have broken bones from an accident, that’s easily documented and treated. Whiplash, however, has no visible effects. You may not even realize you hurt because of the adrenaline spike that usually accompanies accidents. When you calm down, though, the pain may suddenly flare up. If this happens days later, insurance companies may claim that it was caused by something completely unrelated.
By going to a whiplash chiropractor Glendale drivers can ensure that that doesn’t happen. A chiropractor can document the damage you suffered and can help reduce the pain and swelling through spinal adjustments and other special procedures. What might have resulted in weeks or months of pain can be reduced to only a few days.
You Can Avoid Pain Medication
Pain medication can be very helpful and effective, especially if your neck is inflamed. However, many people take medication unnecessarily. It’s not always the best option because it can mask pain. Pain is how your body alerts you that something is wrong. If you take pain medication after an accident, you may not feel additional pain later on. That means you could miss an injury that needs medical attention. It’s also possible to become addicted to strong pain medication. When that occurs, you may want to avoid all types of pain killers unless they’re absolutely necessary.
By seeing a whiplash chiropractor Glendale residents can often get the relief they need without taking any kind of medication. This is done through stretching, massage, and other techniques that can help improve the blood flow in the area and reduce the pain.
Avoid Developing a Chronic Condition
Some minor injuries caused by whiplash can return over the years if they aren’t treated right away. This chronic pain can become quite serious and may become untreatable later down the line. Seeing a whiplash chiropractor Phoenix expert can help you avoid developing such a condition. That’s why many recommend seeing a chiropractor within a couple of weeks of experiencing whiplash.
Make Your Insurance Claim or Court Case Stronger
Having a licensed chiropractor diagnose your whiplash can go a long way towards making a successful insurance claim or winning a court case. The longer you wait to have your injuries documented, the harder it will be to receive compensation for the accident. Your insurance may try to claim that the injury was unrelated to the accident, and that can be hard to fight.
While you may not think you need to see a chiropractor right away, if you’ve had whiplash, make it a priority. You never know what kind of damage has been done. By seeking an expert diagnosis and treatment right away, you can reduce pain and may stop a chronic condition before it forms.