Whiplash Treatment Fountain Valley

You get out of a car accident, and you may think that you are “ok” the next day or two; though your neck is sore, headaches set in, and pain like nothing else just won’t leave. At our Fountain Valley Center, we get victims of car crashes back on the road before they develop a chronic whiplash condition.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an sudden back-and-forth movement of the body, and it's typically caused by a rear-end crash, which leads to whiplash injuries, or in sports or when falling. This rapid whipping of the neck and body stretches the muscles, ligaments, and joints beyond their normal range of movement.

Some of the most common signs are:

• Reduced movement of the neck, causing the pain to get worse.
• Headaches starting from the neck.
• Feeling discomfort in the upper body, i.e., shoulders, arms, or back.
• Dizziness or feeling faint.
• Tingling or numbness in one of the arms

Don’t Let the Pain Get Worse

Whiplash symptoms can take 24 to 72 hours to appear after an accident. Since the pain may not start right away, many people think they are fine and delay getting the care they need. However, if care is not taken, common whiplash symptoms can be chronic pain in the neck, headaches for months or years, or limited mobility for months or even years. The impact of a minor or serious auto accident could be enormous, and the initial diagnosis, either timely or not, could be the make or break of a recovery or a lifelong issue.

How Long Does Whiplash Take to Heal?

Treatment for moderate to severe cases lasts 2 to 3 months. Many patients who do not seek treatment after the accident report that their neck still hurts a year after the accident. However, your recovery time will largely depend on three important factors:

• Timing of treatment. After injury, scar tissue starts to form. Hence, initial care matters the most in the recovery.
• Lightly moving your neck. Gentle movements allow the body to heal naturally. Keeping your neck still for too long may lead to stiffness and slow recovery.
• Following a care plan. The most common reason for stiffness is skipping the rehabilitation period.

What is Our Approach to Whiplash Recovery?

The first step is to have a complete assessment to determine the extent of the damage and to address any serious issues. However, the care plan you have is unique to you and may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments for mechanical dysfunction of the normal motion in the neck's injured joints.
• Massage therapy & electrical stimulation to relieve spasms and inflamed tissue
• Relaxation techniques to help relieve pain and promote efficient healing
• Exercises to help develop and prevent continued stiffness.

Injured in an Accident? We Can Help

Please do not postpone going to a doctor or chiropractor to get pain relief, as whiplash gets worse over time. Call (714) 968-4446 and get in today or schedule a whiplash evaluation appointment with Neck & Back Pain Specialists today. Patients arrive at our practice after a car accident in Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, and throughout Orange County.