The Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash is a type of neck injury. It is caused by a sudden impact that forcefully thrusts the neck forward and then backward or from side to side. Whiplash injuries are often suffered in auto accidents or participation in contact sports. They might also be caused by a slip-and-fall. These injuries ordinarily affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and vertebrae in the neck. At Cheyenne Mountain Chiropractic in Colorado Springs, Dr. Hanley safely and effectively treats patients for the neck pain and discomfort caused by a whiplash injury.

Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash injuries can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Below are some of the symptoms on a graduated severity scale:

• Neck pain and discomfort
• Decreased range of motion of the head and neck
• Headaches that start at the bottom of the skull
• Pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in a shoulder, down an arm, and into a hand
• Ears ringing
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Issues with forgetfulness, concentration, and memory
• Lethargy and irritability

How Whiplash is Diagnosed

During your first visit to Cheyenne Mountain Chiropractic, Dr. Hanley will take a medical history and examine you. He will usually diagnose a whiplash injury by examining specific parts of the neck and upper back. In a small number of cases, a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging might be required to determine the extent of the injury.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

When the alignment of the neck vertebrae has been affected, Dr. Hanley will use gentle chiropractic adjustments to align them properly. Manual stretching might also be used to relax the affected muscles and restore optimal blood flow. Increased blood flow delivers nutrients to those damaged muscles. A home exercise program will also be recommended to strengthen the affected area.

Visit Us for Neck Pain Relief

If you have suffered a whiplash injury in or around Colorado Springs, visit us right away. At Cheyenne Mountain Chiropractic, we will perform a thorough examination and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore your range of motion. Call us today at 719-268-0708 to schedule your consultation.