3 Signs You Have Whiplash After a Car Accident
Car accidents can be overwhelming, and in the aftermath, you may not immediately notice injuries like whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining the neck and spine. While some symptoms appear right away, others can take hours or even days to develop. At Vitality Precision Chiropractic, we know that early recognition and care are key to recovery. If you’ve been in an accident, here are three major signs you may have whiplash.
1. Neck Pain and Stiffness
One of the most common signs of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness. You may feel soreness in the muscles around your neck, shoulders, and upper back, making it difficult to turn your head. This discomfort often results from strained ligaments and muscles due to the sudden force of impact.
Pain may start as mild discomfort and gradually worsen over time. In some cases, individuals don’t feel pain immediately after an accident due to the adrenaline rush. However, as inflammation sets in, stiffness and limited mobility can become more noticeable. If you experience persistent neck pain or difficulty moving your head, it’s important to seek chiropractic care to support your body’s natural healing process.
2. Headaches and Dizziness
Headaches following a car accident can be a major indicator of whiplash. These headaches often originate at the base of the skull and radiate toward the forehead or temples. They may be caused by tension in the neck muscles, irritation of nerves, or even misalignment in the cervical spine.
Dizziness or a sense of imbalance can also occur as a result of whiplash. This is often linked to issues with the upper cervical spine, which plays a role in balance and coordination. If you experience headaches or dizziness after a car accident, don’t ignore these symptoms—they could indicate an underlying spinal issue that requires attention.
3. Shoulder and Upper Back Discomfort
While whiplash is primarily associated with the neck, it can also affect surrounding areas, including the shoulders and upper back. Many people experience soreness, tightness, or even tingling sensations in these regions after a car accident. This discomfort can stem from muscle strain, nerve irritation, or spinal misalignment.
Pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulders or down the arms may indicate nerve involvement. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can lead to prolonged discomfort, reduced mobility, and other issues in the future. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, allowing the nervous system to function optimally and reducing tension in affected areas.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Get Checked Today!
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take action. Early chiropractic care can help address misalignments, relieve tension, and support the body’s natural healing process. At Vitality Precision Chiropractic, Dr. Thomas Madigan and Dr. Brendan Shanahan provide personalized care to help you recover and regain mobility. Contact our Rochester Hills chiropractor team today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward healing.