In West Des Moines, it's not uncommon for individuals to turn to chiropractic care in West Des Moines following an auto injury. One of the most prevalent auto injuries is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are forcefully whipped from back to front, much like the crack of a whip. Rear-end collisions in car accidents are often the culprits behind whiplash, but it can also result from various other traumas, accidents, abuse, or even falls. Interestingly, many West Des Moines residents involved in accidents may not immediately realize they've sustained a whiplash injury. It often takes weeks or even months for symptoms to become persistent and give rise to other complications. If you suspect your neck has been injured due to an accident or another incident, this article will shed light on recognizing a whiplash injury and how chiropractic care can aid in its treatment.
When the neck undergoes a violent back-to-front motion, whether from a car accident, contact sports like football, or physical trauma such as an assault, it can result in various issues affecting the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Whiplash is the term used to describe the initial impact, but its aftermath can encompass:
Whiplash injuries span a spectrum from mild to severe, with more significant injuries typically occurring when headrests are positioned too low. If the impact was severe or the headrest was inadequately adjusted, there's a possibility of broken bones or damaged tissues. It's strongly advisable to consult a chiropractor for a comprehensive examination and potentially X-rays.
Even seemingly mild impacts could result in whiplash if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms cover a wide range, and not all of them may be immediately attributable to whiplash. Even if a doctor has given you a clean bill of health, your pain could still be connected to whiplash, necessitating treatment to resolve the issue. If you've recently been injured, it's essential to have your spine examined promptly. The sooner you address the problem, the lower the risk of it evolving into a chronic issue.
Given that most whiplash cases affect the spine and its surrounding nerves and tissues, chiropractic care emerges as a highly effective treatment option. Chiropractors possess the expertise to pinpoint the source of pain resulting from a whiplash injury and develop a tailored treatment plan. Chiropractic interventions are gentle and non-invasive, offering significant relief from whiplash-associated pain and setting individuals on the path to complete recovery. Reach out to our team at to explore how chiropractic care can facilitate your whiplash recovery journey.
