Acupuncture And Whiplash

Whiplash is commonly experienced in sports and motor vehicle accidents. These accidents can result in much more than stiffness and neck pain. The forces and trauma involved in sports and motor vehicle accidents can impact the nervous system and brain in unique and significant ways, possibly leading to concussion or concussion-like symptoms. At Jackupuncture, we understand this and provide a more thorough assessment specifically for patients who have been in sports and motor vehicle accidents or who experience specific symptoms along with neck pain and stiffness.

Common signs that you may be experiencing more severe whiplash include neck pain and stiffness along with new symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, sensitivity to light, fatigue, anxiety, or dislike of crowds. This isn’t a comprehensive list, and these new symptoms may come on days to weeks after the accident. Some research suggests that the symptoms of head trauma may not become apparent until 7-10 years after the accident itself.

If you have sought help for neck pain and stiffness in the past without relief and are experiencing any other symptoms like those described above, you likely require a very different treatment approach than what you’ve been offered. At Jackupuncture, we specialize in these kinds of assessments and treatments. We’d be happy to be of service. 

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that happens when the neck is forcefully and rapidly moved back-and-forth. It is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents, but can also occur due to sports accidents, physical abuse, falls, and other types of traumas. Whiplash is often referred to as a neck sprain or strain, although these terms can encompass other neck injuries as well.

Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash symptoms often appear within days of the injury. Symptoms can include neck pain and/or stiffness, pain with neck movements, loss of neck range of motion, headaches (often starting at the base of the skull), tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms, tingling or numbness in the arms, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), memory issues, sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulties with concentration, and depression.

Whiplash and Concussion

Many of the issues associated with whiplash overlap with those of concussion. Concussions will often include some form of whiplash, but not all cases of whiplash will involve concussion. A thorough assessment is required to determine if a patient’s injury meets the criteria of a concussion for brain injury rehabilitation.

On the positive side, most people with whiplash recover within a few weeks with pain medication and gentle exercise. However, some individuals may experience chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications. In these cases, we would recommend patients schedule a Brain and Concussion Care Consult.

In the case of concussion following whiplash, patients are encouraged to follow an individualized rehab program while undergoing their PeakMIND series. In such cases, patients may receive rehab exercises focusing on their particular needs or be referred to another healthcare provider specializing in a particular form of rehab for complementary care while completing their PeakMIND series.

In the case of whiplash without concussion, patients can undergo orthopedic or other forms of acupuncture to help reduce their pain, improve their range of motion, and manage other symptoms related to the injury.