If you’ve been in a car accident and are suddenly feeling a great deal of neck pain, it’s likely you have whiplash. This common but painful condition affects millions of men and women each year and can wreak havoc on the body if not treated properly.
If you’re unsure you have whiplash, it’s important you see a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Until then, let’s take a deeper dive into what whiplash is, the symptoms of whiplash, and the treatments that can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common condition in which the neck is rapidly moved in a back-and-forth motion, similar to the motion of cracking a whip. Whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, as the jolt of the car causes a rapid movement of the neck upon impact. However, whiplash can also occur due to other traumatic injuries, like playing a contact sport or having a sudden fall.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
There is a multitude of signs and symptoms that are associated with whiplash. The most common signs and symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain
- Stiff neck
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
- Upper arm and shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Less common, but more serious symptoms of whiplash include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing ears
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Depression
If you’re experiencing two or more of the above symptoms, it’s important you see a medical professional as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment for your whiplash, the less likely it is to affect you in the long term.
Whiplash Treatments
Treatments for your whiplash will vary, but will likely include pain management, exercise, physical therapy, and stabilization.
Your pain management regimen will likely start out with over-the-counter medications, rest, and applying ice and heat to the area in cycles. If these methods do not help, prescription medications or injections may be required to help reduce your pain.
Your exercise and physical therapy plans will work hand-in-hand to ensure you strengthen the muscles in your neck. Talk to your physical therapist about which exercises you can do at home to help strengthen your neck muscles and restore your full range of motion.
Finally, stabilizing the neck with a foam collar will help take the stress off your neck while you work to strengthen your muscles once again. You may be asked to wear a foam collar for a few hours a day for several weeks. Ask your primary care provider what they recommend in terms of wearing your foam collar.
Whiplash Treatment in Wellington, FL
If you’re looking for whiplash treatments in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. We take your health and wellness seriously. Our team of providers will be happy to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, evaluate your condition, and provide you with an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Get the care you need for your whiplash sooner than later – you won’t regret it.
To make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers, call our staff today at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment now by filling out our convenient online appointment request form.
