Car Accident Chiropractor in Portland OR

After an automobile accident, many people look for chiropractic help in Portland OR. Whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck pain. Pain caused by whiplash can range from mild to severe and can be debilitating for many. Here's what you should know about whiplash, including what causes whiplash and how to seek treatment for it.

Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain, ranging from mild to severe, which can lead to lasting impairment for many. Therefore, it is essential to assess the mechanics of the whiplash injury prior to care through a comprehensive examination.

Whiplash most commonly occurs with motor vehicle accidents and contact sports when the head is forcibly whipped into various directions, resulting in the injury of the neck's muscles, soft/connective tissues, and vertebrae. Symptoms of whiplash may include, but are not limited to: reduced range of motion, pain with movement of the head, tightness/stiffness of the neck, tenderness along the neck, headaches, nausea, tinnitus. It is important to note that many symptoms of whiplash injuries may not fully manifest until 2-3 days after the incident.

If you think you’ve experienced whiplash, it is important to seek medical attention quickly from a trained medical professional who will perform a thorough assessment of the severity of the injury. Though whiplash is not typically dangerous, it may serve as the precursor to long lasting or permanent issues such as chronic neck pain, diminished range of motion, scar tissue formation, spinal instability, persistent headaches, early onset osteoarthritis, and more.

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Causes of Whiplash in Portland OR

Whiplash occurs when the head is whipped back and forth suddenly and the muscles and vertebrae in the neck are overextended. The muscles and tendons in the neck are stretched too much or even torn by the force. Whiplash is most frequently caused by car accidents, but can also be caused by any motion that suddenly whips the head back and forth, including contact sports like football and amusement park rides.

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Symptoms of Whiplash

Symptoms of whiplash can include but are not limited to:

• A tight or stiff feeling neck
• Decreased range of motion, such as being unable to turn the head
• Pain when moving the neck back and forth or to the side
• Neck tenderness or pain when touching the neck
• Headaches that occur at the back of the head and radiate towards the temples and forehead

In some cases, pain caused by whiplash can occur immediately after the incident. However, in most cases, it takes time for the body to register the injury. Symptoms may not occur for hours, days, or even weeks after the incident that caused the injury.

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Importance of Seeking Immediate Care

If you suspect that you're experiencing whiplash, it's important that you seek medical treatment immediately. Although whiplash itself is not a dangerous condition, incidents that cause whiplash can also cause concussions and other types of brain injuries. Many of the symptoms of whiplash, such as headaches and pain, are the same symptoms of concussions or mild brain injuries and can be difficult to distinguish from one another. A medical professional can perform a series of tests to rule out any serious head injuries that should be treated immediately.

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Contact Our Chiropractor Today!

Whiplash pain can be tough to deal with, but there's relief on the horizon for people who are suffering. Chiropractic care can help relieve the tension and stress in your neck, realign the vertebrae, and promote healing. A chiropractor in Portland can evaluate you and make a treatment recommendation, which may involve a few visits a week for a few weeks until you begin to feel better. A Portland chiro can monitor your progress and make adjustments in your treatment plan as necessary, so you'll always be getting exactly what you need, without expensive medications or surgery.

For excellent chiropractic care in Portland OR, look no further than City Chiropractic. We can help you feel your very best! Contact us today for an appointment by calling ((503) 224-9513.