Whiplash is basically a neck sprain. It arises when your neck is forced frontward, backward, and then forward again. It receives its name because the motion your neck goes through is similar to the cracking of a whip. Fortunately, Dr. James Sylvia and Dr. Simone Simaan of Sylvia Chiropractic Center in Kinston, NC, can assist with your recovery.
General Information
Whiplash stems from a personal injury, such as a sports-related injury or physical assault. The most common cause of it is a rear-end car collision.
A majority of people recover within a few weeks after this injury, especially with chiropractic care. In some cases, though, the symptoms last much longer. You can reduce the risk of this happening with the right treatment.
Symptoms
You might not have symptoms of whiplash immediately following your injury. It can take up to 72 hours for them to appear. You may have symptoms, such as neck pain or stiffness. The pain may worsen when you move your neck. You might experience a limited range of motion or tenderness that extends into your shoulders, arms, or upper back. Some people also develop the following:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Sleep disturbances
- Memory problems/ difficulty concentrating
Diagnosing Whiplash
When you visit our Kinston, NC clinic, our practitioner will want to know about your symptoms and when they started. Our chiropractor will inquire about your injury and will assess your range of motion and look for any signs of swelling.
Typically, no other testing is necessary to diagnose whiplash. However, your practitioner may recommend an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Treating Whiplash
Our practitioner is dedicated to helping people manage their pain and heal from their injury simultaneously. After your comprehensive evaluation, our chiropractor will determine an appropriate treatment approach based on the severity of your condition.
It may consist of cervical spinal adjustments, which restore nerve function in the area and ease pressure on the surrounding soft tissue and nerves.
Exercise therapy is another possible treatment for whiplash. During this particular modality, our practitioner will guide you through exercises to slowly stretch your neck. The exercises gradually work the muscles and other soft tissues to promote a solid recovery.
Our chiropractor will also provide you with ways to ease your pain and discomfort as you recover, such as hot and cold therapy, whiplash, electrical muscle stimulation, and more.
At Sylvia Chiropractic Center, serving Kinston, NC, and the nearby region, Dr. Simaan and Dr. Sylvia treat patients with whiplash through a variety of techniques.
Book an appointment today to begin your recovery by calling 252-523-1900.