chiropractic treatment vehicle accident headaches

When to See a Chiropractor for Whiplash

There are a few physical issues that can arise from car accidents that are nuanced and often difficult to diagnose, and one of the top examples here is whiplash. It can be hard for some victims of car accidents to know if they need to seek medical attention in the aftermath, including whether and when to see a chiropractor for whiplash injuries. 

At Peterson Chiropractic, we’re proud to serve as top auto injury chiropractors for patients around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, providing assistance with whiplash symptoms and various other conditions that may arise as a result of any vehicle accident. When should you see a chiropractor for whiplash? Here are some telltale signs that such an appointment will be valuable in the direct aftermath of your accident. 

Significant Neck or Shoulder Pain

One of the most notable signs that you should see a chiropractor for whiplash is significant neck or shoulder pain after the accident. Whiplash occurs when there’s an abrupt, involuntary movement of your head and neck. This type of motion strains the muscles and ligaments in your neck, causing tissue damage. The sudden impact from a car accident can cause serious harm to these tissues, leading to long-lasting pain if left untreated. 

A chiropractor can address this type of pain by manipulating your spine and joints, which helps release tension in your muscles. Not only will this help relieve any discomfort or soreness you may be experiencing but it also promotes healing in the affected areas.

Headache or Dizziness

In other cases, whiplash may also cause headaches and dizziness. This is especially common if the neck muscles are strained or injured, as they can transfer pain to other areas of the body such as the head. These symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with your ability to work or perform daily activities. Seeking chiropractic care can help alleviate these symptoms by addressing any underlying issues in the neck and spine. 

Tingling or Numbness

Another common symptom of whiplash is tingling or numbness in the arms and hands, which can be caused by compression of nerves in the neck. This sensation may also accompany pain or stiffness in the neck area. A chiropractor will perform manual adjustments to help relieve pressure on these nerves, reducing symptoms and promoting healing.

Jaw Pain

Another telltale sign that you may have whiplash is jaw pain, which can be caused by the sudden and forceful movement of the head during a car accident. A chiropractor can help alleviate this pain by adjusting the cervical vertebrae and releasing tension in the muscles surrounding the jaw.

Limited Range of Motion

Whiplash can also limit your range of motion, making it difficult to turn your head or even perform simple tasks. Chiropractic care can help restore flexibility and mobility by realigning the spine and reducing tension in the affected muscles.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for whiplash can lead to long-term complications and chronic pain. At Peterson Chiropractic, we offer personalized treatment plans for auto accident victims to help them recover and return to their daily activities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident chiropractors and start your journey towards healing after a collision.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Peterson Chiropractic is led by Doctor Bradley Peterson, who grew up in Davis County and attended the University of Utah.