Top Whiplash FAQs

If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, your neck might have sustained some damage. Whiplash is an all-too-common complaint after a forceful injury – and it can be quite excruciating and confusing to deal with. At Advantage Spine and Disc in Boise, we know that knowledge is power. We’ve answered some of the common whiplash questions below to help empower you to get the healing you deserve.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is the most common auto accident injury. It occurs when the force of an accident causes your head to whip back and forth beyond the normal range. This movement often causes tears in the soft tissues and leads to a cervical misalignment, which can cause nerve compression.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Stiff and sore muscles are the most common symptoms, but you will usually also experience headaches and neck pain. If any of your nerves have been compressed, you might also deal with tingling, numbness, and weakness in and around your neck.

Should I still see a chiropractor if I’ve gone to the emergency room?

You should still seek chiropractic care. The emergency room staff is there to help with emergency issues, not ongoing care. A chiropractor, on the other hand, is there to help with the entire healing process. Additionally, you might not notice any symptoms of an auto accident injury until days or even weeks later.

What chiropractic treatment techniques are used for whiplash?

A combination of treatment methods is used to treat whiplash, including:

• Chiropractic adjustments to address any misalignment
• Therapeutic exercises to help repair damage and restore range of motion
• Soft tissue therapy, such as massage therapy, helps relieve tension and pain
• Decompression therapy if the nerves or muscles are constricted
• Exercises and stretches you can do at home to enhance your healing

Treatment plans are personalized to your needs and how your condition improves.

It hurts to move my neck. Won’t adjustments just make it hurt worse?

In the beginning, the adjustments could cause some discomfort, which is why adjustments aren’t typically the first course of treatment. Instead, the focus is on treating the stiffness and soreness that’s making it painful to move your neck. After that has been addressed and you can move more freely, the adjustments can be performed. It’s also important to understand that there are gentle adjustments available, which do not utilize the forceful movements you might imagine.

Find Whiplash Relief with Our Chiropractor in Boise, ID

Don’t live with the pain and discomfort of whiplash another day. Call Advantage Spine and Disc today at (208) 336-2225 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.