Whiplash Centennial, CO

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that occurs after a forceful snapping movement of the head. We see this most often after car accidents but it can happen after other incidents as well. It’s common for symptoms of whiplash to not occur immediately. You may not have any the day of the incident but develop the symptoms days later. Untreated, these symptoms can last for years.

What Does Whiplash Feel Like?

Stiffness in the neck and upper back is one of the most common symptoms of a whiplash injury. You may also experience radiating pain in your hands or feet, though pain in your feet would warrant further medical evaluation. Because of the neck stiffness, you are also likely to develop headaches and have a limited range of motion in your upper body. These symptoms may not appear for several days and will likely worsen over time.

Early Examination For Whiplash In Centennial, CO

We often get patients for whiplash in Centennial who initially declined a medical examination the day of their accident because they felt fine. But, the longer an injury goes untreated, the more it will affect your long-term health. And untreated whiplash injuries are more difficult and intensive to treat after longer periods of time.

If you’re involved in a legal claim, it’s also important to show that you dealt with any injuries or symptoms as soon as possible. Dr. Tony Nicholas provides all necessary documentation to both you and your attorney.

Types Of Whiplash Treatment In Centennial, CO

Whiplash treatment in Centennial is actually a combination of several available services at Axis Health & Wellness. These include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments: This treatment restores proper alignment in your neck and back.
• Dry Needling: This treatment involves inserting non-injecting needles into the muscles, such as the trapezius, to improve movement and reduce inflammation.
• SoftWave Therapy: This treatment uses soundwaves to encourage the muscles to repair themselves after they’ve been damaged.
• Spinal Decompression: This treatment stretches the spine to reduce pressure on the discs.

What To Expect During Your Exam And Treatment

Your first treatment session will most likely be your longest, about 60 to 90 minutes, since it includes a full consultation, imaging, and treatment plan development. Both x-ray and MRI imaging is usually needed to get a full picture of what the injury did to your neck and back.

Most patients start noticing results after about 4 to 6 weeks, though full treatment may take a couple months depending on the severity. If it’s been a while since the initial injury and you haven’t received treatment yet, you are looking at the longer end of that spectrum.