How Long Does Whiplash Usually Last?
 

Individuals usually acquire a whiplash injury during a car accident. While your body is held in place by the seat belt, your head and neck are not, and as a result, they continue to travel forward for a short distance before they are snapped backwards. This strains all the soft tissues in the neck and misaligns the cervical vertebrae.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms can take between 12 hours and even several days to fully manifest. For this reason, I recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you can after your auto accident.

• Loss of Range of Motion in the Neck
• Neck Pain and Stiffness
• Severe Headaches
• Shoulder, Arm and Upper Back Pain

Whiplash Symptoms Time-Frame

Mild whiplash symptoms may resolve themselves within several weeks. However, if symptoms last more than six months, you may have chronic whiplash, which requires treatment. In severe instances, your whiplash symptoms may last years. According to a study conducted in 2005, as many as 71 percent of whiplash sufferers still had symptoms seven years after their initial injury.

Diagnosing Whiplash Injuries in Bellevue

As a whiplash injury chiropractor in Bellevue, I can evaluate your symptoms and neck to determine if you have whiplash and the severity of your whiplash. This is accomplished by taking a detailed medical history that includes your symptoms, the severity of your car accident and when your accident occurred.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

Chiropractic care for whiplash involves reducing your symptoms and healing your neck injury. This can be accomplished with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, lifestyle advice and corrective exercises. These treatments are designed to lower your pain and inflammation and realign your cervical vertebrae in order to take the pressure off your nerves and other soft tissues.

To schedule an appointment after your car accident injury, call us at (425) 802-5432. We are located at 13400 Northeast 20^th Street, Suite 2. 

- Dr. Edward Owens D.C.