Many individuals turn to a Cocoa Beach chiropractor, especially after experiencing an auto injury. One of the most prevalent auto injuries, whiplash, occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked from back to front, similar to the crack of a whip. Rear-end collisions, which are quite common, often result in whiplash. However, this injury can also occur due to various other traumas, accidents, abuse, or falls.
Often, people in Cocoa Beach, FL who have been involved in an accident may not immediately recognize that they have sustained a whiplash injury. It may take weeks or even months for the issue to become persistent and lead to further complications. If you’ve experienced neck trauma in an accident or any other incident, this article will shed light on identifying a whiplash injury and how chiropractic care at Gilbert Chiropractic in Cocoa Beach can assist in its treatment.
WHIPLASH TREATMENT IN COCOA BEACH, FL
When the neck undergoes rapid, forceful movement from back to front during a car accident, contact sports activities like football, or other physical trauma, several consequences can impact the spine and the surrounding soft tissue. While “whiplash” describes the initial force, the aftermath can involve:
- Disc bulges and herniation
- Subluxations (misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine)
- Injured bones within the spine
- Irritation and damage to nerves
- Strained ligaments and neck muscles
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH?
The severity of whiplash injuries can vary widely, often influenced by factors such as the positioning of your headrest during the impact. In cases of severe impact or a low headrest, there’s a risk of broken bones or damaged tissue. It is strongly recommended that you seek chiropractic care for a comprehensive examination and, if necessary, X-rays. Even if the accident appeared relatively minor, whiplash may still be a concern if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder, upper back, and arm discomfort
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Pain when turning the head
- Limited mobility or range of motion in the head
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep disturbances
- Feelings of depression
These symptoms encompass a broad spectrum, and not all may be immediately attributed to whiplash. Even if a medical doctor has given you a clean bill of health, your pain might still be connected to whiplash, necessitating treatment to address the issue. Promptly seeking a spinal examination is essential if you’ve recently sustained an injury. Early intervention reduces the risk of long-term complications.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR AUTO ACCIDENTS
Given that whiplash incidents primarily impact the spine, nerves, and adjacent tissues, chiropractic care is an excellent approach for treatment. Chiropractors, including Dr. Gilbert at Gilbert Chiropractic in Cocoa Beach, FL, possess the expertise to pinpoint the source of pain associated with whiplash injuries and formulate a tailored treatment plan. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and non-invasive, offering significant pain relief. Many individuals experience relief from whiplash-associated discomfort and embark on a path to complete recovery through chiropractic care. Contact our team at Gilbert Chiropractic in Cocoa Beach to explore how chiropractic treatment can assist you in recovering from whiplash.