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Everything You Need to Know About Whiplash, a Common Auto Injury

Written By Mauger Medical on January 17, 2024

a guy with neck pain from auto injury

Whiplash is a common auto injury that causes neck pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. Its symptoms may not show up for days or weeks after an auto accident, and some people don’t experience any symptoms. However, if you don’t seek whiplash treatment, you may be at risk for chronic pain and other complications. At Mauger Medical, our chiropractor, Dr. Michael Mauger, can perform diagnostic testing and a full exam to screen you for auto injuries like concussion, head trauma, and whiplash in Corpus Christi, TX. Learn more about whiplash, its symptoms, and our treatment methods.

What Causes Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully jerked back and forth or up and down. A whiplash injury is common during auto accidents because your body is pushed around so much, even when you’re wearing a seat belt. The forceful movement of your neck and head can damage the delicate vertebrae, tissues, muscles, and nerves in your neck.

How Can I Tell if I Have Whiplash?

Whiplash symptoms might occur within 24 hours, or may take a few days or a week to appear. The most common initial symptoms of whiplash are neck pain and stiffness. It might be hard to move your head up and down or from side to side. Trying to move your head may increase your pain and discomfort. You may also experience shoulder tenderness, or pain that radiates from your neck down your arms to your hands. In some cases, people experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. You may also get headaches or migraines.

Risks & Complications Associated With Untreated Whiplash

Without whiplash treatment, you may be at risk of chronic neck pain and stiffness. The same motion that causes whiplash can also cause a concussion, which also has a high risk of complications. If you experience severe or frequent headaches, memory problems, trouble concentrating, tinnitus, dizziness, or other symptoms that won’t go away, visit us right away.

Chiropractic Whiplash Treatment

Once we have fully evaluated you and diagnosed whiplash, we will design a personalized whiplash treatment plan. Our chiropractic whiplash treatment is drug-free and non-invasive. The goal of whiplash treatment is to reduce pain, inflammation, stiffness, and other symptoms so you can return to your regular daily activities.

Get Screened for Whiplash in Corpus Christi, TX

Visit us today at Mauger Medical to get screened for whiplash in Corpus Christi, TX. Dr. Mauger will also screen you for other common auto injuries like concussion, head trauma, and disc herniation. We specialize in safe, non-invasive, and drug-free auto injury treatment designed to get you back to your normal life as soon as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment.