Untreated whiplash in Prince William County can cause significant long-term complications. The primary symptoms of whiplash neck injuries, which include neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, and migraines, can worsen over time without proper and timely chiropractic treatment. If you haven't yet visited a chiropractor for whiplash treatment, keep reading to find out what chiropractic complications you may be at risk for.Chronic Neck PainMost neck injuries result in mild to severe neck pain that typically decreases in severity after chiropractic treatment. The risk of developing chronic neck pain after you've sustained a whiplash neck injury is greatly increased if you don't seek chiropractic care. Whiplash can damage the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck. If the neck injury is severe enough, you can suffer from a herniated disc. These types of neck injuries don't resolve themselves without chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor needs to provide regular chiropractic care, like chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and physical therapy, to prevent whiplash symptoms from worsening.Frequent Headaches and MigrainesMany people who sustain whiplash neck injuries report suffering from headaches or migraines as a result. These headaches and migraines are often caused by muscle tension, strain, or fatigue that is induced by whiplash. A chiropractor can provide therapeutic massage and other soft tissue therapies that will ease your muscle tension and stress and reduce or eliminate your headaches. The sooner that this neck injury symptom is treated by a chiropractor, the less likely it is that you'll suffer from long-term complications.Neck Stiffness and Reduced Range of MotionAnother common symptom of a whiplash neck injury is neck stiffness, and a decreased range of motion in the neck. This can be caused by muscle damage, joint damage, or a buildup of fluid in the neck joint. A chiropractor can provide relief by performing a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation to restore range of motion. If you don't seek chiropractic treatment, however, the condition may end up being long-term, or even permanent.
