Whiplash Care in Sarasota
Neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or shoulder pain after a rear-end crash may be whiplash-associated disorder — start with an examination.
Whiplash describes rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, which can occur in rear-end and other collisions, including some lower-speed crashes. It may involve strain of muscles and ligaments and irritation of joints and nerves. Recovery varies widely: many people improve over weeks to months, and some develop longer-lasting symptoms. Care should follow an examination rather than an assumption about what was injured.
Signs to watch for
Neck pain and stiffness are the most familiar. Others include headaches at the base of the skull, jaw pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, pain radiating into the shoulders or arms, and disturbed sleep. Seek emergency care for severe or worsening headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, new weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or seeing, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
How care is approached
Care begins with a thorough examination and, when clinically indicated, imaging. In the early phase, gentler approaches such as mobilization and in-office therapy modalities may be used to help manage symptoms. As you improve, care may progress to specific adjustments and targeted strengthening. The aim is to support function and mobility; how much improvement is possible varies between individuals.
Timing
Getting evaluated early gives a clearer picture of what was injured and creates a contemporaneous record. Florida statute 627.736 also contains a 14-day initial-services rule for Personal Injury Protection. Rather than waiting to see what happens, call the office and ask about an examination.
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Whiplash Treatment — FAQ
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