I Was in A Car Accident—Do I Have Whiplash Injury?

Whiplash injuries are one of the most common neck injuries out there, and a condition that is often associated with auto injuries or car accidents. While most people think of whiplash injuries as a consequence of a serious collision, whiplash injuries can come from even the smallest of fender benders.

If you have been in any type of car accident, you may be wondering if you have a whiplash injury. And more importantly, you may be wondering what to do about it.

Understanding not only what a whiplash injury is, but what some of the symptoms of whiplash injuries are can give you better insight, so you can see the healthcare professional you need for help.

What is a Whiplash Injury?

A whiplash injury is a neck strain that can occur with the head suddenly moves backward and then forward, similar to the motion of cracking a whip. Injuries from a whiplash can range from mild to severe and appear immediately or after several days.  While they are most common in auto accidents, they also happen quite frequently with sports injuries, particularly in football.

Whiplash is also referred to as Cervical Acceleration Deceleration or CAD syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash Injury?

In most cases, the symptoms of whiplash are very easy to identify. For some people, whiplash injuries may prevent them from performing their everyday activities. For others, whiplash may present as nothing more than a dull achy sensation.

Either way, an untreated whiplash injury can get worse if it isn’t identified and treated right away. Here are some of the symptoms to look for.

• Pain, tightness in the neck. The muscles may feel stiff or like they have knots in them.
• Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull and radiating toward the forehead.
• Tightness and decreased range of motion in the neck.
• Pain or discomfort from rocking your head from side to side or back to front.
• Stiffness or pain when moving your head to look over the shoulder.
• Tenderness in the neck

The most important thing to remember is that sometimes, the pain from a neck strain like this is immediate. However, ore often than not, it can take several hours or even several days for the pain to start after a whiplash injury. So, if you have been in an auto accident, make sure to be on the lookout for these symptoms for several days after your incident.

Who Should I Turn to For Help?

If you have been in any type of accident, including a car accident, and are experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, then you should contact a Doctor of Chiropractic right away. Make sure that you are visiting a chiropractor who performs x-rays so they can properly diagnose your condition.

Chiropractors specialize in treating whiplash injuries and most types of spinal injuries ranging from low back pain to headaches and everything in between. These are the doctors that can help actually treat the injury you are dealing with, instead of just masking it with pain medication.

The moment you start experiencing symptoms, make sure to rest, ice the area, and call a local chiropractor for an appointment.

Here at McAuliffe Chiropractic, we understand how difficult whiplash injuries can be, and the type of lingering pain they can cause. We have helped countless Laurel area patients diagnose and treat their whiplash injuries so they can get back to feeling like themselves.

If you have been in an auto accident in the greater PG County area, and are worried about potential whiplash injuries, make an appointment with our office today. You can call our Laurel, MD office directly at (301) 776-0755 or schedule an appointment online. If you are experiencing serious pain or are worried about an injury, we will always find a doctor to see you same day.

Whiplash injuries are serious, and we want to make sure you are getting the care you need before your injury gets worse.