Sudden impacts, such as those involved in car accidents, can cause damage to the upper spine and neck muscles, resulting in pain, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion. This condition, commonly called "whiplash," requires treatment to realign structures and heal soft tissues. At Multicare Health Clinic in Sioux City, we provide relief from auto accident injuries such as whiplash pain. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive about whiplash injuries:
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury that results from a rapid forward-and-back motion that usually occurs during auto accident impacts. However, it can also result from actions during athletic activities, falls, or acts of violence. The symptoms are due to damage to both hard and soft tissues in the upper spine, neck, and shoulders.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, a loss of range of motion in the neck, numbness or tingling in the arms, dizziness, and fatigue. However, some people may also experience ringing in the ears, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, irritability, memory problems, and even depression. Symptoms can be severe enough to impact the ability to perform daily tasks.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
Your chiropractor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine the degree of discomfort and impairment of mobility in the neck and upper spine. You will be asked questions about the cause of the injury and how it affects your daily life. An x-ray will be taken to detect any damage to the vertebrae in the neck. In some cases, an MRI will be helpful in determining the extent of the injury.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Help Whiplash Pain?
Spinal adjustment is performed to realign structures that may have been misaligned during an accident. A variety of techniques may be used for this process. Gonstead technique, spinal decompression, and trigger point therapy may be performed. Therapeutic exercise helps to strengthen muscles that support the upper spine. Electrical stimulation, massage, acupuncture, and other soft tissue techniques are used to facilitate healing and reduce back pain and discomfort.
Make Multicare Health Clinic Your Chiropractor in Sioux City, IA
The health professionals at Multicare Health Clinic combine their training and experience to provide superior care for all their patients in Sioux City and the surrounding areas. If you're looking for whiplash treatment near you, contact Multicare Health Clinic today at (712) 276-4325 for an appointment to learn about effective treatment for whiplash pain and stiffness.