Symptoms Of Whiplash And How Your Chiropractor Can Help

Are you suffering from neck pain after a car accident? You may have whiplash. Our Austin, TX, chiropractor, Dr. Zeke Harkleroad of Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center, shares common whiplash symptoms and explains how you may benefit from a trip to the chiropractor.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of injury that may occur when your neck moves back and forth rapidly. The sudden movement can damage vertebrae, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and discs in your neck. Whiplash often occurs as a result of a car accident, but anything that causes your neck to "whip" around, such as a ride on a jerky amusement park attraction, playing contact sports or even falling, can cause your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

If you have whiplash, you may experience one of more of these symptoms:

• Pain in your neck that may worsen when you try to turn your head
• Pain in your arms, hands, shoulders or upper back
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Numbness or a "pins-and-needles" sensation in your arms and hands
• Difficulty moving your neck
• Muscle spasms
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping

How do Austin chiropractors treat whiplash?

Ignoring whiplash symptoms can lead to chronic pain. Luckily, chiropractors offer a variety of treatments that will decrease your pain and help you heal more quickly. When you visit our Austin office, we'll perform a thorough examination and recommend the appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition.

Manipulation helps restore normal motion to your spinal joints and may also relieve pain caused by a herniated disc. Manual or instrument-assisted manipulation may be used during your treatment. Both types of manipulation use gentle, non-thrusting pressure to mobilize your vertebrae. Manipulation also helps stretch tight tissues and improves blood flow to your neck, which may speed healing.

Other treatments may also be used during the course of your therapy, such as massage, soft tissue manipulation and mobilization, manual joint therapy, ultrasound treatment, and trigger point therapy.

Chiropractic therapy offers an effective, natural way to treat whiplash after a car accident. If you're tired of living with your neck pain, call our Austin, TX, chiropractor, Dr. Zeke of Bee Caves Chiropractic & Scoliosis Center, at (512) 327-5311 to schedule an appointment.