What is Whiplash?

Are you experiencing neck or shoulder pain, dizziness or headaches, fatigue, or other musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms after a car accident or another traumatic incident? If so, you may be suffering from whiplash.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about whiplash and how our team at Wachs Chiropractic Health Center in Chula Vista, CA, can help treat the tissue.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. This motion can injure vertebrae, disks between the vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other tissues around the neck.

What causes a whiplash injury?

Whiplash is typically caused by car accidents but can also be the result of a sports or workplace accident, a fall, or a physical abuse/assault (getting punched or shaken).

What are the most common whiplash symptoms?

Neck pain, neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, neck instability, shoulder/upper back pain, and headaches are very common symptoms. There could also be tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates into the shoulder and down the arm, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and depression.

How is whiplash usually treated?

Doctors usually prescribe an OTC pain medication like Tylenol or aspirin. More severe injuries may require prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants. Physical therapy, traction, massage, heat, ice, injections, and ultrasound, have also been used as treatment.

How does chiropractic care help whiplash?

Chiropractic treatments can help bring injured cervical joints back into proper alignment, relieving joint pain, and restoring range of motion. This approach is a safer and more effective long-term solution compared to pain medication and invasive surgery.
Your chiropractor, Dr. Wachs in Chula Vista, CA, will develop a treatment plan adapted specifically to your injuries. Treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, ultrasound, muscle stimulation, physiotherapy, and stretching/strengthening exercises.

When should you seek treatment?

Because whiplash symptoms vary and may not be felt right away, it is important to consult with Dr. Wachs at our Chula Vista office immediately following your traumatic incident: 619-427-4747.


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