Neck injury · Canton, OH
Whiplash treatment in Canton, OH
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a fast back-and-forth movement of the head, most often in a rear-end car crash. It can strain muscles and ligaments and cause neck pain, stiffness and headaches. At Belden Village Chiropractic in Canton, care starts with an exam.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Massage therapy on site
Whiplash at a glance
| Also called | Neck sprain or strain, whiplash-associated disorder, acceleration-deceleration injury |
|---|---|
| Body area | Neck and upper back, sometimes the shoulders, arms and head |
| Structures involved | Neck muscles, ligaments and joints, discs and the nerves to the arms |
| Common symptoms | Neck pain and stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, shoulder or upper back pain, dizziness, tingling into the arm |
| Common causes | Rear-end car crashes, sports collisions, falls, sudden jolts on amusement rides |
| How we evaluate | Accident and health history, neck and neurological exam, movement assessment, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy, laser therapy |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that happens when the head is suddenly thrown backward and then forward, or the reverse. The quick motion can overstretch or tear muscles, tendons and ligaments, and can also injure the discs, joints and nerves.
Even a low-speed crash can cause whiplash. Symptoms often do not start right away. Neck pain and stiffness may show up hours or a day or more after the injury, which is why it helps to get checked even if you feel fine at first.
Whiplash can range from a mild strain to an injury that affects the discs or nerves, so care starts with a full exam to find what was hurt.
Whiplash symptoms and causes
What does whiplash feel like?
Symptoms can appear right after the injury or build over the next day or two.
- Neck pain and stiffness, especially when turning your head
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain or tightness in the shoulders, upper back or between the shoulder blades
- Less range of motion in the neck
- Tingling or numbness into the arm or hand
- Dizziness, tiredness or trouble concentrating
What causes whiplash?
Any force that snaps the head back and forth can cause whiplash.
- Rear-end car crashes, even at low speeds
- Side-impact and head-on collisions
- Contact sports such as football, hockey or wrestling
- Slips and falls where the head jerks suddenly
- Amusement rides with sudden stops or turns
- Risk factors: a past neck injury, existing neck arthritis, the head turned at the moment of impact
Which neck injury is it?
After a crash or fall, more than one injury can happen at the same time. Your exam helps sort out what was hurt and whether you need other care first.
| Feature | Whiplash strain or sprain | Disc or nerve injury in the neck | Concussion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Neck and upper back muscles, sometimes the shoulders | Neck, traveling into the shoulder, arm or hand on one side | Head, often along with neck pain |
| Other signs | Stiffness, tight and tender muscles, headache at the base of the skull | Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arm or hand | Confusion, memory trouble, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise |
| First step | A full exam; conservative care is common | A full exam; imaging may be needed | See a physician or get emergency care first |
Get emergency care right away if
- You were knocked out or confused, or have a severe or worsening headache, after the injury
- You have new weakness, numbness or clumsiness in your arms or legs
- Neck pain is severe, or you cannot move your neck after a crash or fall
- You have repeated vomiting, slurred speech, vision changes or trouble walking
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have chest pain, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the jaw or left arm
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for whiplash
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports, a list of medications and the date and details of your accident.
During
We ask how the injury happened and how your symptoms have changed since, then check your neck movement, posture, reflexes, strength and sensation.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Whiplash care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle care to restore movement in the joints of the neck and upper back.
- Physical rehabilitation Exercises to rebuild neck strength, range of motion and posture as you heal.
- Massage therapy Hands-on work to ease muscle tightness and spasm in the neck and shoulders.
- Laser therapy Low-level laser light applied to sore areas, used to help ease pain and inflammation.
If your symptoms point to a concussion, fracture or serious nerve injury, your provider will refer you to a physician and coordinate your care.
Neck pain or headaches after a car accident?
Your whiplash care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Whiplash questions we hear in Canton
Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for whiplash. We review your accident history and exam first, use gentle techniques suited to an injured neck, and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.
Whiplash symptoms are often delayed. Swelling and muscle tightness can build over hours or days, so pain and stiffness may show up after you leave the scene. Get checked even if you felt fine at first.
Yes, it is a good idea to be checked after any accident, even a low-speed one. An exam can find injuries early and gives you a record of your symptoms. If you have warning signs such as a severe headache or weakness, get emergency care first.
Yes. Injury to the upper neck can cause headaches that start at the base of the skull. A headache that is severe, getting worse or comes with confusion or vomiting needs emergency care right away.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed, such as after a high-speed crash or when nerve symptoms are present.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats whiplash at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your whiplash symptoms
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.