The most common reason why individuals develop whiplash is because of an auto accident injury. Although it's difficult to identify how long whiplash will last, it's possible to manage this condition to alleviate your symptoms the entire time you have it. At Tatsuno Chiropractic, serving Bakersfield and the nearby region, our chiropractor, Dr. Matt, provides natural relief of whiplash symptoms. Let’s look at a few questions that we run into regarding whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
As a common auto accident injury, this condition occurs when your neck is forcefully pushed forward and then snaps back rapidly. Because of the impact, your muscles, soft tissue, and nerves become damaged. This injury can cause pain, stiffness, and a decrease in your range of motion. Sometimes, you may experience headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue, irritability, trouble sleeping, memory or concentration problems, or dizziness. Depression is also possible.
How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Whiplash?
The first step our chiropractor takes to diagnosing your whiplash is to gather information about your medical history. Our chiropractor then asks about your injury and assesses your range of motion in your neck. Our practitioner will want to know about any symptoms you're experiencing since your incident. Keep in mind, it can take up to 72 hours to develop signs of whiplash, so you might not have symptoms right away.
During your exam, we will also check your neck for swelling and bruising. Sometimes, this is enough for our practitioner to determine if you have whiplash. If additional testing is necessary, our practitioner may recommend that you undergo imaging to evaluate the internal structure of your neck.
How Does a Chiropractor Treat Whiplash?
One of the main treatments our team prescribes for whiplash is a chiropractic adjustment. This consists of a chiropractor realigning your spinal column. Once all components are in the proper position, you have less stress and pressure on your nerves and soft tissue. Ultimately, this eliminates some of your discomfort and other symptoms.
Part of your treatment may include exercise therapy. During this part of your recovery program, a practitioner guides you through exercises that are slow and gradually increase in difficulty. Generally, these exercises are stretches that work the muscles and other soft tissue in your neck. They can increase your range of motion and possibly relieve some pain. Exercising the area also encourages blood to flow more optimally throughout the region, which can help with the healing process.
Get Quality Whiplash Treatment in Bakersfield, CA
Our team may recommend other treatments or at-home measures to manage your symptoms or promote healing. Our goal is to assist you in feeling your best and encouraging healing. Schedule an appointment with Tatsuno Chiropractic to see if you have whiplash and receive natural, non-invasive relief using chiropractic care. We serve Bakersfield and the nearby vicinity and are available by calling (661) 322-6021.
