Whiplash is an incredibly common, but painful soft tissue injury that is often caused by motor vehicle accidents, physical abuse, and contact sports. It occurs when a sudden force stretches and tears the delicate muscles and tendons in a person’s neck. Depending on the severity of the injury and the condition of the individual at the time, whiplash can be a minor injury that requires little recovery time or a severe one that becomes a chronic issue.
The Symptoms of Whiplash
Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Tenderness in the neck
- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull
- Pain or stiffness with head movement
- Decreased range of motion
- Tightness in the neck
These symptoms are not always immediately apparent and can sometimes take several hours or even days before they appear. If you believe you sustained a whiplash injury, you should seek medical attention right away to minimize the potential for any damage or an unnecessarily prolonged recovery.
Treatments for Whiplash Injuries
Treatment for whiplash should be tailored to the individual’s needs since no two injuries are exactly alike. Many chiropractic treatments consist of gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions. If your neck muscles are especially tight, more vigorous stretches might be applied by your chiropractor to help relieve the pain that is often associated with tightened muscles.
Additionally, it is advised that those who suffer from a whiplash injury engage in everyday activities that put minimal strain on the body.
Call Atlanta Pain & Rehab Today
At Atlanta Pain & Rehab, our specialty is helping people who were injured in accidents. Our team wants to ensure you are given the right amount of care and that you are not forced to suffer any painful long-term effects.
Reach out to us today for the care you deserve! Call (404) 620-4010 to schedule a free consultation!