Whiplash results when your head is whipped forward and back, extending your neck beyond its normal range of motion. It’s the number one injury related to vehicle accidents and is common in rear-end collisions.
When the neck is stressed this way, your muscles become strained or can even tear, and your spine becomes misaligned. This can lead to pain in your:
It may also cause headaches and limit your range of motion. In some cases, you may experience symptoms right away, but sometimes they don’t appear for days, weeks, or even months.
If you’ve been in a car accident, even if it’s a minor rear-ending, and are experiencing neck or shoulder pain, you may have whiplash. You may also develop other conditions related to or caused by whiplash, including:
When you see Dr. Hausman after an auto accident, he performs a full examination to determine the extent of your injuries. He may ask you to bend or twist to test your reflexes and see if there are changes to your range of motion. He checks your spine for any misalignment.
The results of your exam determine what treatments and procedures Dr. Hausman recommends. If your injuries are minor, he may prescribe:
With more severe auto accident injuries, Dr. Hausman may recommend:
If your whiplash is left untreated, it can lead to chronic conditions that take a long time to heal. If you do seek treatment, whiplash typically improves in about three months. Those with certain risk factors may take longer to see improvements, including those who have:
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may have sustained an injury, even if you’re not symptomatic. Call to schedule your appointment with board-certified chiropractor Dr. Hausman or book it online today.
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!