Answering Your Whiplash FAQs

If you are experiencing severe neck pain and stiffness after an auto accident, you may have a condition known as whiplash. Whiplash can significantly impact your daily life and become a chronic health issue if left untreated. Your chiropractor near you at Optimal Health Chiropractic and Massage Clinic in Edmonds, WA, is here to answer frequently asked questions about whiplash to empower you with the knowledge necessary to achieve lasting pain relief.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck suddenly whip back and forth due to a collision. This motion forces the neck beyond its typical range of motion and strains muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash most often occurs due to a car accident, but you can also suffer whiplash from a sports injury or fall.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms can range from minor to severe and usually appear one to three days after an accident. However, some people may experience whiplash symptoms weeks after the collision or fall. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder and arm pain
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or irritability
• Jaw pain
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears

How Long Does Whiplash Last?

Mild whiplash may heal within a few weeks with proper treatment. More severe whiplash can last months or even become chronic, requiring extended chiropractic care. Early treatment is essential to preventing long-term complications.

How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Whiplash?

Chiropractic care is a proven effective treatment for both acute and chronic neck pain from whiplash injuries. Chiropractic care helps restore proper spine motion and improves the function of surrounding muscles, allowing the body to heal naturally after a whiplash injury.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments can realign the vertebrae, restore mobility, and reduce nerve irritation. Additional techniques like massage, trigger point therapy, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can also provide pain and headache relief. Your chiropractor may recommend exercises and stretches to help regain strength and range of motion. They can offer nutritional advice and suggest supplements to help reduce inflammation.

Can You Prevent Whiplash?

While you cannot prevent whiplash from occurring, you can take steps to reduce your risk of a severe car injury. Some ways you can limit your chances of developing significant whiplash include:

• Properly adjust your headrest to support your head and neck
• Improve posture while driving
• Strengthen your neck and back muscles
• Seek chiropractic care to keep your spine aligned

Get Whiplash Treatment From Your Chiropractor Near You in Edmonds, WA, Today

If you are experiencing whiplash pain and need a “chiropractor near you” to provide effective treatment, look no further than Optimal Health Chiropractic and Massage Clinic in Edmonds, WA. We can create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve lasting relief and improved well-being, so call us and schedule a consultation today at (425) 361-1839.