Dr. Nathen Horst is committed to providing chiropractic treatment for people suffering from neck and back pain. This pain may be the result of long-term wear and tear associated with age, injuries associated with an occupation, or even physical trauma that directly affected the spine.

If you live in the Temecula, CA area and suffered whiplash, we at Horst Chiropractic can help. Let’s consider what whiplash is, its numerous symptoms, and why chiropractic adjustment may be an ideal treatment option.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash refers to a type of neck injury in which the neck is moved violently back and forth. The motion the neck makes is reminiscent of the cracking of a whip, hence the name whiplash.

Each year, it’s estimated that more than 1 million people will suffer a whiplash injury.

Common Causes of Whiplash

The most common causes of whiplash injuries include:

• Auto Accidents – Auto collisions, particularly rear end collisions, are one of the most common causes of whiplash.
• Sports Injuries – Contact sports and combat sports can both lead to whiplash given the force of blows to the head or body.
• Physical Altercations – If you are involved in a fight or assault, there is a risk of suffering from whiplash if you are harmed.

Neck Pain

When the neck is violently and rapidly moved, it can lead to pain and soreness afterwards. The severity of this pain can vary depending on the violence of the neck movement.

Stiffness of the Neck

Many people who experience whiplash notice that their neck is stiff. It is often much harder to turn their head or move their neck in a certain way.

Headaches

The pain from whiplash isn’t just centered on the neck. People who suffer from whiplash also experience headaches as well.

Pain in the Shoulders

The movement of the neck could lead to issues around the shoulders given their proximity to the base of the neck. Nerves and other tissues may be affected.

Tingling in the Arms

If the shoulders and lower portion of the neck are affected, this could lead to tingling and numbness that radiates into the arms.

Dizziness

The sudden, jarring movement of whiplash has often caused injury victims to feel dizzy or disoriented.

Additional Symptoms Associated with Whiplash

In addition to the symptoms noted above, here are additional accompanying symptoms that are often associated with whiplash:

• Blurry vision
• Fatigue
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Irritability
• Depression
• Issues with concentration
• Memory problems
• Difficulty focusing and concentrating

When Do Whiplash Symptoms Appear?

For most people, symptoms tend to develop within 24 hours after the injury. Keep in mind that the symptoms may not be apparent for a day or so in some patients.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important that you seek medical attention right away. Getting professional care can help reduce the duration and severity of the above symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury, a chiropractor can carefully adjust and manipulate the cervical spine. This can correct misalignments caused by the whiplash, relieving pain and restoring range of motion in the process. Chiropractic care can be combined with traditional medicine to help enhance the pain relief results.

Learn More about Treating Neck Injuries

To learn more about treating neck injuries and helping you recover from serious harm to the spine, be sure to contact an experienced chiropractic care specialist. The team at Horst Chiropractic is here to help you recover and thrive.