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Whiplash Treatment in Sun Prairie, WI

Whiplash Conditions Treatment Chiropractor Sun Prairie, WI

Whiplash is a common condition that we treat at Noble Choice Chiropractic. Over three million new cases of whiplash occur each year, and more than 50% of those progress to chronic symptoms. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced backward and forward, usually due to impact. Injuries could be instant or appear after 24 hours.

Many cases of whiplash are caused by car accidents where the person is rear-ended or high-impact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer. Falls and even roller coasters may also cause whiplash. Ligamentous damage can be in any direction depending on impact – front to back, side to side, etc. In addition, whiplash can cause damage to ligaments, muscles, vertebral discs, nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues.

Many people who sustain an injury improve in about three to six months. However, many develop chronic pain that lasts for years if the condition isn’t treated properly or if the patient has pre-existing risk factors like old age, previous whiplash, existing back or neck issues, and high-impact auto accidents. Subluxation is common due to how much the neck moves during a whiplash-causing event.

Only chiropractors are expertly trained to remove subluxation in the spine, which is why the pain must be assessed and treated correctly as soon as possible.

How We Treat Whiplash In Sun Prairie, WI

Comprehensive Consultation and Exam

An exam is the only way to determine the best way to treat whiplash. One of our doctors will review the incident, listen to your story, and discuss how this problem affects you and your life. This will help the patient and doctor understand their condition and what to expect with correction.

We use a series of ortho, neuro, and functional movement testing to determine conditions and accurately diagnose the problem. In addition, we perform a chiropractic exam to understand the subluxation pattern. From there, we will discuss the appropriate care plan based on these findings.

Specific Chiropractic Care

The amount of neck movement involved in whiplash makes subluxations easy to occur. A subluxation is the misalignment of specific bones in your spine which affects the nervous system. It can also irritate existing subluxations that may not initially be painful. Failure to correct these subluxations can lead to degeneration, chronic pain, and limited range of motion. Studies note that if this problem is not fixed after an accident, it accelerates degeneration by ten years. Chiropractors are the only doctors specifically trained to correct subluxation in the neck.

Digital X-ray

Getting X-rays after an impact trauma is vital to properly diagnose whiplash. Our doctors perform a motion study, which means we look at the curve statically and with flexion and extension to determine joint movement. X-rays also help doctors rule out fractures or red flags, such as pathologic changes and tendon ruptures.

Therapeutic Exercise

Exercise and rehab are critical components of healing whiplash injuries. The body heals best through movement, so exercising helps muscles, joints, and nerves heal. However, all movement must be done safely and correctly to avoid exacerbation of injuries. Our doctors have advanced training and specialize in helping people perform their exercises and stretches effectively and safely to maximize their healing potential.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Concussion

Concussions occur when a sudden movement causes the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damaging and stretching brain cells. It is usually the result of a car accident or high-impact sports injury.

Concussions can cause memory problems, confusion, trouble concentrating, mood or personality changes, headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, blurry vision, grogginess, and sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms may appear soon after the injury, but it could take hours or days. Many people suffer from a condition known as post-concussion syndrome, where concussion symptoms can linger for months.

Neck Pain

Forceful whiplash movement can damage vertebral discs, nerves, and muscles, resulting in pain from several potential sources. It’s essential to have a chiropractor take stock of the situation after an auto injury or sports injury to determine the root cause of the pain and the best way to move forward.

Chiropractic adjustments can help to realign any bones (subluxations) that have been knocked out of place and improve range of motion. Soft tissue work can help restore muscle balance and function, and corrective exercises can help improve muscle stability.

Headaches

Muscle tension, instability, nerve interference, and disc injury can all lead to headaches. The back-and-forth motion of a car accident or sports injury can injure the cervical facet joints causing inflammation and irritation of the nerves in the brainstem and spinal cord.

A whiplash headache is usually indistinguishable from other headaches, and symptoms may occur immediately or after several days. Additionally, women are more susceptible to headaches after a whiplash injury. About 80% of people who experience whiplash develop a chronic headache without proper treatment.

Shoulder Pain

Depending on the force of an auto accident or sports injury, the shoulder may sprain or strain causing pain and irritation. Stability is a crucial factor in shoulder pain. Damaged ligaments can create a loose joint, so mobilization is not always ideal. Corrective exercises to increase the strength of stabilizing muscles are essential.

Back Pain

A disc injury, herniated disc, or bulging disc after a car accident can lead to back pain. Injured discs tear and irritate the nerves causing pain to radiate through the nerve pathway. Depending on which nerves are aggravated, pain, numbness, and tingling could radiate down the legs and even into the arms. Chiropractic adjustments can aid in the recovery of discs by alleviating pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor in Sun Prairie, WI, help with whiplash?

Yes, we can. The best thing you can do is reach out to Noble Choice Chiropractic to determine what is causing your pain. Once we find the root cause, proper treatment and healing can begin.

How soon after a car accident should you see a chiropractor?

It’s best to see a chiropractor within 72 hours of a car accident to ensure your injuries do not worsen.

Can whiplash symptoms get worse over time?

Yes, if left untreated, whiplash symptoms can get worse over time. That is why it’s essential to seek treatment ASAP.

What are the symptoms of severe whiplash?

Symptoms of whiplash can include (but are not limited to) neck pain and stiffness, loss of range of motion in the neck, headaches, pain and tenderness in the shoulder, upper back, or arms, tingling or numbness in the arms, fatigue, or dizziness.

What happens if I don’t correct a whiplash injury?

As stated above, whiplash symptoms will worsen over time when left untreated. In some cases, they may become chronic or permanent.

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