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5 Signs You May Have Whiplash After a Car Accident

Written By Marshall Family Chiropractic on April 16, 2022

woman with a whiplash injury due to a car accident

An auto accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, and you may not know you have been injured until later. Symptoms of common auto injuries like whiplash can manifest days after the initial accident, delaying your treatment and leading to chronic conditions. Unsure if you’ve actually been injured or not? Dr. Masters and Arkansas Physical Health & Rehab identify the top 5 signs that you may be suffering from whiplash after a car accident. 

1. Headaches

Chronic headaches can be a major indicator of whiplash. Many patients that suffer from whiplash are also dealing with a concussion, another injury that needs to be treated as soon as possible. These headaches can also trigger dizziness, irritability, insomnia, and nausea. 

2. Ringing Ears

If you’re hearing a stubborn ringing in your ears after an auto accident, it’s paramount to seek out treatment immediately. Also known as tinnitus, ringing in the ears could be a signal of nerve or brain damage that could have devastating health effects if left untreated. 

3. Difficulty Chewing

Whiplash can damage the sensitive muscles and tendons in your neck, leading to pain that affects the jaw and face. If it is painful to speak, chew, yawn, or open your mouth, it’s possible that you may have whiplash. Contact your chiropractor at Arkansas Physical Health & Rehab right away to identify the root cause of your jaw pain. 

4. Neck Stiffness

A tight or stiff neck is often one of the first signs of whiplash. Auto accidents can strain the vertebrae in your neck, causing inflammation and pain. If it is uncomfortable or painful to move your neck in any direction, whiplash could be the culprit. If you find that you can’t move your neck at all, you should contact your chiropractor immediately. 

5. Numbness and Tingling

Whiplash can damage sections of your cervical spine, which can translate to the impairment of your central nervous system. Nerve damage is often signified by numbness or tingling. The sensation is similar to the feeling of pins and needles when one of your limbs falls asleep. 

Contact Arkansas Physical Health & Rehab

Don’t wait to seek treatment after an auto accident. Our professional chiropractic treatments at Arkansas Physical Health & Rehab in Fayetteville, AR, can help you alleviate pain and regain your mobility after an auto injury. 

For more information on our healthcare services or to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors, call (479) 443-0800 or request a session here


Posted In: Chiropractic Whiplash Treatment Auto Injury Treatment