Whiplash FAQs

FAQs about Whiplash

Whiplash is a common neck injury that is primarily associated with getting into an auto accident. It's estimated that one million people sustain whiplash injuries every year. If you would like to know more, Dr. Gary Martin, our Irvine Chiropractor will provide the answers to four frequently asked questions about whiplash.

Whiplash

1. What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

If you are in a vehicle that stops suddenly, or it gets rear-ended by another vehicle, there is a good chance you will sustain a whiplash injury. This neck injury occurs when the neck muscles get strained as a result of being rapidly whipped backward and then forward. Besides an auto accident, this type of injury can also happen during contact sports.

The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Headaches at the base of the skull
  • Pain in the shoulders, arms, and back
  • Dizziness or difficulty focusing
  • Fatigue or problems sleeping

Some people may also experience blurred vision, memory problems, and ringing in the ears. Most people experience these types of symptoms within 24 hours of the auto accident.

2. What are the Treatment Options for Whiplash?

One of the first things you should do to alleviate neck pain associated with this type of injury is to apply an ice pack to the neck. Do NOT use a heating pad to "relax" the muscles- this will make thing worse!  You should definitely seek chiropractic treatment right away. A chiropractor can alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with whiplash. Dr. Martin's chiropractic treatment options include gentle, effective spinal adjustments, cold laser therapy, massage therapy, and intramuscular re-education techniques.

3. What Happens When a Whiplash Injury Is Left Untreated?

You don't want to let your whiplash injury go untreated. If you do, there could be serious complications down the road. When left untreated, you could experience chronic neck pain as well as chronic headaches, vertigo, and pain or stiffness that will prevent you from returning to a normal level of activity. Other complications of untreated whiplash include herniated discs, misaligned spine, and Temporo-Mandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). 

4. Who Should I Call to Treat My Whiplash?

If you live in the Irvine, CA area and have been in an auto accident, you should contact Dr. Gary Martin, Irvine Chiropractor at (949) 559-7999 to schedule an appointment. While receiving Irvine chiropractic care, Dr. Martin will determine if you have sustained whiplash or any other kind of auto accident injury. If it has been determined you have whiplash or neck pain, our chiropractor will provide information on treatment options available.

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