Skip to main content
Whiplash 101: Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Whiplash 101: Understanding Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

Whiplash is a common injury associated with auto accidents. Learn how to identify the symptoms of whiplash, how it’s treated, and what to expect during recovery.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Whiplash including:

  • Symptoms associated with whiplash
  • Best treatment options for whiplash
  • What to expect as you recover from whiplash

Read on so you or your loved one can feel healthy again after being affected by whiplash.

Symptoms Associated With Whiplash

The most common symptoms associated with whiplash are:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches, typically stemming from the base of the skull
  • Shoulder pain and stiffness
  • Muscle pain and stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Tingling in or numbness in your arms or hands

These symptoms should be examined immediately. Other symptoms can include blurred vision, fatigue, loss of sleep, irritability and concentration problems.

Best Treatment Options For Whiplash

If you’re driving down Highway 98 (affectionately named “Nascar 98”) in Northwest Florida including Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway, Mary Esther there’s a chance you might find yourself in an auto accident and suffering from whiplash. 

Your treatment plan will be based on your injuries and whiplash-related pain. Dr. Llaird Likens earned the Whiplash and Brain Traumatology Certification from Southern California University and will be able to help you in a variety of ways. The two primary ways are manipulation and muscle relaxation.

Manipulation


Dr. Llaird Likens specializes in manipulation as a chiropractic treatment for whiplash. Dr. Likens will gently move the affected joint back into alignment and the correct position. This can provide immediate relief but can also help with any other injuries that might have been aggravated by the car accident such as herniated or bulging discs. 

Muscle relaxation/stimulation

Muscle relaxation/stimulation is the primary method used to help you find relief after suffering from whiplash. Muscle stimulation includes gentle stretches to the affected muscles. This technique helps to trigger the nervous system to release tension and restore range of motion. 

What To Expect As You Recover From Whiplash

Any car accident is traumatizing, but most patients with lower grade whiplash will feel better within a few days or weeks. More severe cases can take several weeks up to months to heal. 

This is why it is important to see a chiropractor after an auto accident. They are uniquely able to recognize underlying issues and identify true underlying sources of pain and aggravation so that you can completely heal. The pressure that misalignment or even scar tissue can cause can be relieved with chiropractic treatment and allow the body to heal itself.

As you heal from whiplash injuries, you need to make sure you rest, avoid strenuous activity. However, your treatment plan will likely include light exercise like walking or stretching in order to restore full mobility. 

Other People Ask:

How do you know if you have whiplash?

The biggest indicators of whiplash will be reduced range of motion in the neck and pain that worsens when you move the neck. It’s best to see your chiropractor if you’ve been in a car accident.

How long does it take to recover from whiplash?

Recovery can be as little as a few days or weeks for mild cases of whiplash. More severe cases will take several weeks or months to recover fully. 

H3: Is chiropractic care for whiplash covered by insurance?

In Florida, you have 14 days to seek medical care for injuries due to a car accident in order to be able to claim expenses under your personal injury auto insurance claim. This is why it’s important to immediately seek care from your chiropractor. 

Dr. Llaird Likens also offers self-pay options in the event you do not have insurance to cover your whiplash injuries.

If you are experiencing pain from whiplash and you live in Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway or Mary Esther Dr. Llaird Likens is ready and available to schedule an appointment for you. He’s been treating whiplash injuries for 18 years and looks forward to the opportunity to help you feel better.