Though most associate whiplash with car accidents, a variety of falls, tumbles, and sports-related collisions can result in whiplash. The results are often the same. Whiplash  can injure the joints of the neck as well as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that keep the neck stable. Since nerves from the neck extend both up to the head as well as down the entire length of the arms, neck injury can affect a large area of the body. Often the severity of the injury is not immediately obvious since structural changes can take place that result in more severe symptoms years down the road.

The most common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and tightness, headaches, pain into the shoulders, and numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers. Long term results of whiplash injuries include increased arthritis and decreased range of motion in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, and possible chronic neck pain.

Dr. Underwood recommends an examination as soon as possible after a whiplash type of injury. A thorough evaluation will enable him to tell what structures are damaged and in need of treatment. Though hands-on adjusting may not be performed immediately, other therapies such as Activator instrument-assisted adjustments, gentle ART, electric stimulation, and ultrasound may be performed to minimize the damage of the whiplash injury. A comprehensive plan will be formed to ensure your return to full health.

If your whiplash injury is the result of an automobile accident, the supportive staff at Underwood Chiropractic will help you take the proper steps to make sure that your health care needs are covered by your insurance, so that you can focus on healing. A brochure is available in the Automobile Accident Care section of our services to guide you after a recent collision.