Whiplash Treatment Columbus OH

ByDr. Kevin Sarich Updated on
Whiplash treatment Columbus OH

Have you been in a car accident? Do you have neck pain or back pain? Did you know according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, car accidents happen every 60 seconds?

You’re not alone if you’re searching for whiplash treatment Columbus Ohio.

Many people will seek out chiropractic care in Columbus OH after having a car accident. The most common car accident injury by far is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are whipped from back to front, similar to how a whip is cracked.

The majority of car accidents are rear-ended collisions, with whiplash being the most common result. However, whiplash can also occur from other kinds of trauma, accidents, abuse, and falls. Whiplash is a lot more common than most people realize.

Whiplash Treatment near me (Chiropractor)

Many people in Columbus OH who have been involved in an accident don’t even realize they have received a whiplash injury until weeks or months later when the problems become persistent and lead to other issues.

Whiplash is like a “sprained ankle” in the spine. If not cared for properly, the spine will heal incorrectly and lead to functional deficits and chronic issues later in life:

  • Bone spurs and arthritis
  • Disc herniations and decay
  • Nerve problems and pain

If your neck has been injured in an accident or other incident. This article will help you to understand if you have a whiplash injury and how whiplash treatment Columbus OH can help you!

Whiplash In Columbus OH

When the neck is whipped from back to front during a car accident, while playing contact sports such as football, or occasionally from an assault or other physical trauma, a number of things can happen to the spine and surrounding soft tissue. Whiplash describes the initial impact, but the results can include:

  • Disc bulges and herniation
  • Subluxations (misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine),
  • Injured bones in the spine,
  • Irritated and damaged nerves
  • Pulled ligaments and muscles in the neck

What Are The Symptoms Of Whiplash?

We estimate that nearly 80% of the problems we see in our office stem from old injuries (like car accidents) that were never taken seriously or cared for properly. This is why it is better to be safe than sorry and always consult with a Doctor of Chiropractic after any type of injury. Even if the impact seemed mild, you may have whiplash if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain when turning the head
  • Inability to move or turn the head fully
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression

Whiplash can cause a wide range of symptoms, and not all of them are immediately recognizable. Even if a medical doctor has cleared you, your pain could still be related to whiplash. Seeking treatment in Columbus, Ohio, can help address the underlying issue and provide lasting relief.

If you have recently been injured it’s important to get your spine checked as soon as possible. The sooner that you start treating the issue the less chance you have of it developing into a long-term problem.

5 Things To Know & Tell Others About Whiplash Treatment

  1. Even in the absence of symptoms, our body gets damaged at 5 mph
  2. If not cared for properly, that damage will lead to future problems
  3. Most people incorrectly assume they are fine when in fact they are not
  4. Women and children are more prone to being damaged than men
  5. The best doctor to see after a mild to moderate injury is a Chiropractor

Chiropractic Care For Whiplash Treatment Columbus OH

Because the majority of whiplash incidents impact the spine and the surrounding nerves and tissues, chiropractic care is an excellent avenue for treatment. Chiropractic doctors are skilled in assessing the source of the pain associated with a whiplash injury and determining a plan for effective treatment.

Chiropractic treatments are gentle and non-invasive. Through small adjustments, patients improved following chiropractic treatment from the pain associated with whiplash and are set on the road to full recovery.

Call our team at Abundant You Chiropractic to discover how chiropractic care can help you recover from whiplash.

Answers to Your most Common Questions about Whiplash Treatment

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The best doctor to see for whiplash depends on the severity of your symptoms and your treatment goals. Here are some of the top options:

  • Chiropractor – Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, including whiplash. They focus on spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and rehabilitation exercises to restore mobility and reduce pain.
  • Physical Therapist – A physical therapist can help improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain through targeted exercises and manual therapy.
  • Orthopedic Doctor – If your whiplash injury is severe and involves fractures or significant soft tissue damage, an orthopedic specialist can evaluate and provide treatment options, including medication or surgery if needed.
  • Neurologist – If you experience nerve-related symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or headaches, a neurologist can assess nerve function and recommend appropriate treatments.
  • Primary Care Physician – Your primary doctor can assess your symptoms, prescribe medication if necessary, and refer you to a specialist for further treatment.

For many whiplash cases, a chiropractor is an excellent first choice because they address the root cause of pain and help restore proper function without relying on medication or surgery.

Yes, urgent care centers can treat whiplash, but their treatment is usually limited to short-term symptom management. They can:

  • Evaluate your injury to rule out more severe conditions, such as fractures.
  • Prescribe pain relief medication or muscle relaxers if needed.
  • Provide a cervical collar (if necessary) to limit movement and reduce strain.
  • Recommend follow-up care with a chiropractor, physical therapist, or specialist for long-term recovery.

While urgent care can help with initial pain and inflammation, they typically don’t offer comprehensive treatment like chiropractic care or physical therapy, which focus on restoring mobility and addressing the root cause of the pain. If your symptoms persist, seeking specialized care is recommended.

The best treatment for a whiplash injury depends on the severity of the condition, but a combination of the following approaches is typically most effective:

1. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment, improve mobility, and reduce pain caused by whiplash. Chiropractors also use soft tissue therapies and rehabilitation exercises to aid recovery.

2. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy help strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and prevent long-term stiffness or weakness.

3. Pain Management

  • Ice and Heat Therapy – Ice reduces inflammation in the first 24-48 hours, while heat helps relax muscles afterward.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications – NSAIDs like ibuprofen can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation.

4. Soft Tissue Therapy & Massage: Massage therapy, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the injured area.

5. Postural Corrections & Ergonomic Adjustments: Improving posture and making ergonomic adjustments in daily activities (such as using proper pillow support or workstation setup) can prevent prolonged strain and discomfort.

6. Staying Active: Gentle movement and stretching prevent stiffness and speed up healing. While rest is necessary initially, prolonged inactivity can slow recovery.

For most whiplash injuries, chiropractic care combined with therapeutic exercises is one of the most effective treatment plans, as it addresses both pain relief and functional recovery.

The best place to go for whiplash depends on the severity of your symptoms and your treatment goals. Here are some options:

1. Chiropractic Office (Best for Natural, Non-Invasive Care)

Chiropractors specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries like whiplash. They use spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehab exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility without medication or surgery. This is often one of the most effective long-term solutions.

2. Physical Therapy Clinic

Physical therapists help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion through targeted exercises and manual therapy.

3. Urgent Care or Emergency Room (Best for Immediate Pain Relief & Evaluation)

If you’re experiencing severe pain, headaches, dizziness, or possible fractures, urgent care or the ER can rule out serious injuries and provide short-term pain management.

4. Orthopedic or Pain Management Specialist

For severe cases involving ligament damage, fractures, or nerve-related pain, an orthopedic doctor or pain management specialist may offer imaging (X-rays, MRIs) and advanced treatments like injections.

5. Primary Care Physician

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, prescribe medication if necessary, and refer you to a specialist for further care.

For most people, a chiropractic office is the best first stop for whiplash treatment, as chiropractors focus on addressing the root cause of pain and restoring function naturally.

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