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Whiplash

Whiplash

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that can occur after the head forcefully moves back and forth. Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the neck, back, arms, and shoulders, as well as dizziness, headaches, and muscle spasms. Whiplash is a common result of car accidents but mainly rear-end car accidents.

Whiplash isn’t always properly diagnosed. General neck injuries may include similar symptoms of whiplash, but it’s important that cases of whiplash be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. First Choice Wellness should be your first point of contact after a car accident that produces symptoms of whiplash. After a comprehensive consultation, we’ll develop a unique treatment plan for your injury, as well as a recovery plan for optimal healing. We provide physical and rehabilitation therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy for those suffering from a whiplash injury. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a full examination.

What You Need to Know About Whiplash

If you’ve recently been in a car accident and you believe you’re experiencing whiplash, it’s critical to see a medical professional at First Choice Wellness right away. Not only is it important to begin treating a whiplash injury as soon as possible, but it’s also important to complete a full examination of the neck and back. This can help to rule out any other injuries that could be more severe, such as broken bones or herniated discs. Here are some frequently asked questions that patients often ask when concerned about whiplash. For further information about whiplash and other car accident injuries, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The common symptoms of whiplash after a car accident include the following:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Severe pain when moving the neck
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the shoulders, upper back, or arms
  • Numbness and tingling in the arms or fingers
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

It’s also important to keep in mind that whiplash can go beyond physical pain. Those who experience a severe whiplash injury after a car crash can also experience:

  • Irritability or changes in mood
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Difficulty remembering
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

At what speed does whiplash occur?

Many believe that you can rule out whiplash injuries if the collision happened at low speeds. However, this is a common misconception when it comes to car accident injuries. Whiplash can result from a low, moderate, or high-speed car crash. A car moving as slow as 5 mph can lead to whiplash. If you were recently in a car accident, but the collision was considered minor and occurred at a low speed, it’s still crucial to get medical attention as soon as possible. Contact a representative at First Choice Wellness to schedule a consultation and receive a full examination. Remember that a whiplash injury can happen even at slow speeds.

Do you feel a whiplash injury right away?

Not necessarily. Keep in mind that many car accident injuries, such as whiplash, may have delayed signs and symptoms. Some may experience pain and tenderness in the neck and shoulders immediately after a car crash, while others may not feel symptoms of whiplash for days or even weeks. Medical professionals will always advise victims of car accidents to seek treatment right away, even if your symptoms of whiplash seem mild. If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, but you’re unsure if you’re experiencing whiplash, schedule an appointment at First Choice Wellness for a proper diagnosis.

What's the treatment for whiplash?

Remember that all of our patients will receive a comprehensive consultation and a unique treatment plan. Your personalized treatment plan for whiplash will depend on the severity of your injury, your current health, your age, and other factors. No two car accidents or two bodies are exactly alike, so we make sure to customize each treatment for whiplash. However, some general treatments of whiplash often include rest, exercises designed to stretch and improve range of motion, cold/heat applications, physical therapy, massage, and prescription medication. To learn more about a specific whiplash treatment for your injury, contact First Choice Wellness in Lauderhill today.

What are the possible complications of whiplash?

First, it’s important to keep in mind that when whiplash is diagnosed quickly and treated properly, complications of whiplash are rare. However, in some extreme cases or when left untreated, it is possible to experience complications of whiplash. The possible complications of whiplash include chronic neck pain, severe low back pain, headaches, limited range of motion, or acute pain in the shoulders and arms. These complications can last for months or even years if whiplash isn’t diagnosed or treated immediately after a car accident. If you’ve been experiencing long-term complications of whiplash, it’s never too late to receive chiropractic care and physical therapy. Call us today to hear more about treatment plans for whiplash injury complications.

What happens if you leave whiplash untreated?

Leaving whiplash untreated after a car accident will likely lead to a host of other physical issues as well as chronic pain. It’s never recommended to leave whiplash untreated. Some may believe that whiplash is one of those injuries that can heal on its own. However, leaving a whiplash injury untreated can result in:

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Shoulder soreness
  • Long-term issues with a range of motion
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Vertigo

Is it possible to get compensation for a whiplash injury?

Absolutely. At First Choice Wellness, you aren’t only receiving a combination of medical and chiropractic care, you’re also gaining access to our network of lawyers that can help you file claims and receive compensation for your injuries. Settlements for cases of whiplash will vary due to the severity of the injury and the accident. In order to receive compensation for a whiplash injury, it’s essential to work with an experienced car injury lawyer that can negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the legal procedures. To learn more about receiving medical care as well as compensation for your whiplash injury, contact First Choice Wellness today to learn more about our legal services.

Watch for these commonly delayed symptoms

Late-appearing car accident injuries can sometimes present challenges with an insurance claim. Insurance carriers may assume accident victims are exaggerating or fabricating their symptoms. The longer the period between your accident and your diagnosis or symptoms, the harder it becomes to establish it was the accident that caused the injury. As many symptoms may not present immediately - watch for these commonly delayed symptoms:

HEADACHE

Potential Cause: Whiplash, Concussion, Blood Clot

NECK & SHOULDER PAIN

Potential Cause: Whiplash, Spinal Damage

BACK PAIN

Potential Cause: Whiplash, Spinal or Ligament Damage

NUMBNESS & BRUISING

Potential Cause: Spinal Injury, Herniated Disk