601 S Pine St Suite 201, Tacoma, WA 98405, United States
Give us a Call

(253) 396-1000

Car Accident / Whiplash Pain Treatment

Dr. Bradley Eyford DC and Dr. Dena Marie Terranova DC

Car Accident / Whiplash Pain Specialist

Whiplash is a neck sprain or strain injury resulting from sudden backward to forward head movement like an auto accident. The symptoms may or may not always appear suddenly. Hence to be safe, it is recommended to get a medical and chiropractic checkup. It is not advised to manage even mild pain and symptoms on your own using pain killers and OTC drugs.

A whiplash injury occurs due to sudden backward and forwards jerky neck movement. The movements overextend neck muscles and disjunct ligaments, tendons, bones muscles to lead to strain and sprain injury.

While auto accidents are the most common cause, they can also occur as a result of:

  • Blunt trauma
  • Physical abuse like shake a baby syndrome
  • A sports-related collision like football tackles occurring in contact sports
Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection Message to Alleviate Pain whiplash car accident Tacoma Chiropractic
Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection Message to Alleviate Pain whiplash car accident Tacoma Chiropractic
100% natural and Medication free remedies Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection
Message to Pain relief and management Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection
Message to Insurance plans we accept Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection

What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash/Auto Accident Injury?

After facing a car accident, the victim may immediately feel the following symptoms:

  • Neck pain that worsens with neck movement
  • Neck stiffness, Neck mobility issues
  • Loss of range of motion in the neck
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Vertigo, lightheadedness, dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache starting from the base of the skull
  • Tenderness in the neck, upper back, arm, and shoulders
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms

Some symptoms are not typical of whiplash, usually due to a deep brain or spinal cord injury. These symptoms often misguide the whiplash chiropractor and make a diagnosis difficult:

  • Insomnia, Memory loss
  • Mood swings
  • Tingling sensation or pain in the arms and hands
  • Lower back pain
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision, Difficulty concentrating
  • Depression

Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash may heal on its own with some self-care and rest. The following measures will help with its recovery and provide pain relief:

  1. Self-care like applying ice packs
  2. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers like analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for immediate pain relief 
  4. Muscle relaxants and narcotics to reduce stiffness and anxiety
  5. Chiropractic adjustments 
  6. Physical therapy
  7. Massage 

Chiropractic Treatment For Whiplash

Early consultation with a chiropractor after a whiplash injury decreases the risk and prevents potential complications. The best treatment for injury is chiropractic treatment.

The chiropractor identifies the misaligned spine joint and uses chiropractic adjustments to position it back to its proper alignment. This releases pressure on the neck muscles to resolve symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness. 

Tacoma Chiropractic Health Connection clinic specializes in whiplash injury treatment. We use our experience and knowledge to provide the highest quality of chiropractic care to our patients.

Long Term Problems Of Untreated Injury

It is always better to consult an auto accident injury chiropractor to prevent future complications, even if the whiplash symptoms are mild. A stiff neck puts pressure on the neck, head, spine, and shoulder, leading to mobility issues and may affect the brain and spinal cord.

Other consequences of ignoring whiplash include:

  • Vertigo
  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic headaches
  • Vertebrae misalignment
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Osteoarthritis

Does Medical Insurance Cover For Auto Accidents Injury / Whiplash?

If significant enough, most health insurance companies cover auto accident-related medical treatment. Therefore, it is best to consult the chiropractor as soon as possible after the accident to have legal and medical proof of your suffering. If the accident happened because of someone else’s fault, the at-fault driver is liable to pay the victim’s bills.

Contact us to book an appointment if you have a whiplash injury.

Let Us help You

Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash / Auto Accident Injury

Do Tacoma chiropractors treat whiplash?

In Tacoma, chiropractors treat whiplash injury effectively with manual techniques and the use of special tools. The chiropractic treatment is the best non-invasive treatment option for whiplash. It releases pressure on the neck muscles, and resultantly, the common symptoms, such as neck pain and stiffness, resolve. The chiropractor for whiplash manages the following problems:

  • Pain and stiffness.
  • Mobility issue.
  • Spine misalignment.
  • Vertigo and nausea.
  • Soft tissue injuries.
  • Complications like disc herniation.

How long does it take for neck whiplash to heal?

The healing of soft tissue injuries occurs in three stages. The duration for each stage varies and is affected by several factors. The phases of recovery include:

  •  The inflammatory phase – the body’s response – lasts for up to 72 hours.
  • The proliferative phase – lasts for about four to six weeks.
  • The remodeling phase – may last for up to a year.

Together, it can take about six to eight weeks for the injury to heal reasonably.

What is the best treatment for whiplash injury?

The best treatment for whiplash after a car accident is chiropractic care. The chiropractor works by identifying the misaligned and/or fixated joints in the spine and restoring the joints to normal. They also can fix herniated discs manually by special techniques. With the help of gentle stretching and therapeutic exercises, the chiropractor treats muscle dysfunction and restores joint mobility. As the tension on the muscles releases, the neck aching and stiffness improve. For pain management, massage therapy is helpful too. Early car accident chiropractic care decreases the long-term risks and prevents potential complications that can lead to disability.

How can I speed up my whiplash recovery?

If not severe, symptoms may resolve within a few weeks. However, it is not wise to let whiplash heal on its own. Fifty percent of all people that experience a whiplash injury suffer from chronic pains years later. The chiropractor’s advice for whiplash is crucial for fast recovery and to decrease the risk of long-term complications. They help to deal with pain and stiffness by adjusting the misaligned spine. While waiting for the results, other remedies are helpful for pain management. Placing a hot or cold pad over the neck releases tension over neck muscles and relieves neck ache. Over the counter, painkillers are a good option for temporary immediate pain relief.

What are the side effects of a car accident?

The common side effects of a car accident are pain, distress, and stiffness, and if the accident is more serious, crushing and penetrating injuries can be there. In some cases, whiplash injuries  after a car accident might not seem significant; however, damage to the deep structures such as the brain or spinal cord may be present, resulting in long-term consequences. Traumatic brain injuries can cause personality changes, difficulty sleeping, memory issues, and mobility problems.

The psychological trauma following an accident negatively affects an individual’s life. It can also result in psychiatric conditions such as phobia, anxiety disorder, depression, etc.

How long are you sore after a car accident?

Following a car accident, it is normal for the soreness to last for a few days to several weeks. The soreness is because of bruising, micro-tears, and minor injuries. However, it may occur without any physical injuries in some people, probably because of psychological trauma. This duration can vary if the injuries are severe. If you experience pain and discomfort for more than six weeks, this indicates the problem is severe. You should seek whiplash treatment in Tacoma from a chiropractor who is experienced in managing whiplash injuries.

Is it normal to throw up after a car accident?

Nausea and vomiting are frequent complaints after facing an auto accident in Tacoma. The coordination and balance of the body are maintained by a unique system, which is very sensitive to the postural changes of the body. The sudden to and fro movements of the neck affect the balance system and result in vomiting and nausea. There may also be psychological whiplash symptoms like stress and anxiety after a car accident.

How long does it take to recover from soft tissue injury?

The exact duration required for tissue healing depends on the severity of the injury. If the damage is minor, it may heal on its own in six to eight weeks. With treatment, however, this duration may reduce to fewer weeks. The symptoms of neck pain and stiffness may last for even longer and usually do not leave quickly unless appropriate chiropractic care has been taken.

Can you get a concussion from a minor car accident?

The risk of concussion injury depends on how severely the head strikes against the headrest or interior of the car. Even if the car accident seems minor, the head may have hit harder than initially realized, resulting in a whiplash injury.

Can you sue for emotional distress from a car accident?

According to Law, if emotional distress and psychological trauma following a car accident due to someone’s negligence are significant, you can get compensation for it. The emotional distress, however, should be substantial and medically proven. So, if you experience mental disturbances after facing an accident, you may have the right to sue. It is also important to note that terms and conditions may vary from case to case.

What are the long term problems that can happen due to ignoring whiplash?

Untreated whiplash has serious long-term consequences such as neck stiffness and chronic pain. The resultant mobility issues limit neck motion, and trying to move it forcefully results in pressure on the neck, head, spine, and shoulder. Sometimes, it affects the brain and spinal cord too. Other side effects of ignoring whiplash are:

  • Vertigo
  • Chronic headaches
  • Vertebrae misalignment
  • Degenerative disc disease

These can significantly affect the quality of life in the long run, often requiring long-term treatment.