If you experience whiplash, you can seek help from a chiropractor. A range of procedures are available to alleviate pain and aid recovery, and it’s best to begin treatment as soon as you start to show symptoms. The following guide will help you understand more about this condition and how it's treated.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is forced backward then forward very rapidly. It's often the result of a rear-end car accident that makes you jolt in your seat. However, other types of trauma like sports injuries or falls can also be the cause. 

What Are the Common Symptoms?

Neck pain and stiffness are the most common signs of whiplash, and the pain usually gets worse with movement. The condition also reduces mobility in the neck, while other symptoms may include headaches, shoulder pain, dizziness, and tingling in the arms. You can recover within two or three months, and treatment should speed up the recovery process. Although chronic symptoms may continue for several years, you can easily find proper treatment.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Your chiropractor will need to diagnose whiplash before treating you. They will examine your neck and back for injuries, muscle spasms, and restricted motion. The professional will use their hands to feel for knots and identify affected areas. An X-ray or an MRI may be used to confirm or rule out other causes of neck pain.

After a diagnosis, chiropractic manipulation may be used to treat symptoms and help you to recover more quickly. This technique involves applying pressure to joints with hands or a small instrument. A professional will work to correct joint misalignment, improve function, and reduce nerve pain. They may also treat you with a therapeutic massage to ease muscle tension. 

If you need an experienced chiropractor to relieve neck pain, turn to Xenia Chiropractic. For over 20 years, this practice has offered care to residents throughout Xenia, OH. Dr. Mike Davis also treats back pain, sports injuries, and work-related injuries. Call (937) 708-8979 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about personalized treatments.