Chiropractor in Portland, OR

How Long Does It Take for Whiplash To Heal?

Factors That Impact Recovery and Where To Find Specialized Whiplash Treatment in Portland, Oregon

Neck injuries can be debilitating to deal with. When it hurts just to move your head, every minute can feel like a struggle. That might not be your only discomfort either — whiplash can cause pain and difficulty in multiple ways. 

It can take a while for whiplash to heal, and every case is different. 

We’ll help you make sense of your symptoms and how to give yourself the best chances of recovering as quickly as possible.

Table of Contents

How Long Does Whiplash Take To Heal?

The recovery time from whiplash depends a lot on the severity of the injury. 

Mild whiplash may get better after only a few days or weeks. More severe whiplash can take months to recover from, and could even result in lingering pain that lasts for years.

If you’ve had whiplash before, another whiplash injury may be more painful and difficult to recover from. Also, if you have pre-existing neck or back pain for other reasons, your whiplash injury may be more troublesome.

Does Whiplash Heal on Its Own?

Whiplash can be misleading, as symptoms may be delayed by several days and are often mild at first. It is wise to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible after an accident. Failure to properly care for the injury can risk an extended healing process and more chronic pain.

Various symptoms are linked to whiplash. Let your healthcare provider know about any new discomforts you are experiencing, such as:

  • Pain in the neck, upper back, shoulder, or arms
  • Stiffness or low range of motion when moving your neck
  • Headaches, dizziness/vertigo, fatigue, or trouble focusing
  • A “pins and needles” sensation or numbness anywhere between your neck and upper arms
 

Depending on your symptoms, various treatment options are available to help with pain relief, protect the area from further injury, and regain range of motion.

If you are looking for whiplash treatment in Portland, contact the team at Premier Care Chiropractic for an assessment and personalized treatment plan.

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5 Factors That May Affect How Long Whiplash Takes To Heal

#1: Type of Collision

Whiplash is a common injury resulting from car accidents, especially in cases of rear-end collision. Other types of impact can also result in whiplash, so you should seek care regardless of the direction from which your vehicle was hit.

The headrest of your car seat is key to protecting from whiplash during a rear-end collision. Ensure the headrest is level with the top of your head, sitting no more than 4 inches from the back of your head.

If you suspect a collision may occur, face straight ahead with your head directly against the headrest. This can help prevent the sudden back-and-forth action that results in a whiplash injury.

how long does whiplash take to heal

#2: Grade of Severity of Injury

Whiplash injuries range from mild to severe, and can present a range of symptoms. To help understand the severity of the injury and determine appropriate treatment, a grading system was created by the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders.

This system outlines several “grades” of injury based on the extent of the patient’s symptoms:

  • Grade 0: No complaints about the neck, and no signs of injury
  • Grade 1: Complaints of neck pain, stiffness, or tenderness, without any physical signs of injury
  • Grade 2: Complaints, as in Grade 1, in addition to physical signs such as decreased range of motion
  • Grade 3: Neck pain, as well as neurological issues, with reflexes, weakness, or tenderness in areas
  • Grade 4: Neck pain and fracture or dislocation injuries

#3: Timing of Treatment

When it comes to starting your whiplash treatment, sooner is always better. Get a diagnosis as soon as possible, so your healthcare provider has an opportunity to rule out any more serious injuries that may be at play.

Delaying your treatment could result in making your injury worse if you are not aware of the proper care, and could have you living with symptoms much longer than necessary. You may also end up dealing with a lot of additional discomfort from not having the right medication to relieve pain and inflammation.

The right treatment plan — and starting it right away — is the best way to get on the road to recovery. Premier Care Chiropractic can assess you and find the right treatment plan for your injury. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

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#4: Age and Pre-Existing Conditions

If your neck or back already suffers from a pre-existing condition, you may experience a longer recovery time and may be more likely to have long-term pain. 

Another risk factor for longer whiplash recovery time and poor outcomes is age. As people age, their necks can lose flexibility, while at the same time, muscles tend to weaken. This leaves the neck with less muscle support, and less able to withstand rapid forces without injury.

how long does it take for whiplash to heal

#5: Adherence to Treatment Plan

Once a treatment plan is prescribed and started, sticking with it is vital. How long it takes for whiplash to heal depends on your ability to follow through on the treatments.

Each aspect of the treatment plan has a specific purpose:

  • Reducing inflammation is generally part of a whiplash treatment plan. This is usually done via non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to loosen tight muscles and help with pain.
  • Often there will be some kind of physical therapy prescribed. This can range from heat and cold treatments to specific exercises to promote the full range of motion in your neck and shoulders.
  • Other treatment options may be recommended as well, if you have severe symptoms, or your recovery is slow.
 

Whatever your healthcare provider prescribes for you, ensure you understand the reasons and follow through on the steps. This is the best way to have the fastest recovery possible.

When To See a Doctor for a Whiplash Injury

If you suspect you have whiplash, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Getting a fast diagnosis and treatment plan will give you the best chance at a positive outcome.

Also, if the injury results from a car accident, you will need the diagnosis as part of your insurance claim. With potentially months of medication, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other treatment modalities, there could be significant costs involved in getting yourself healthy.

how long does it take to heal from whiplash

Premier Care Chiropractic: Specialized Whiplash Chiropractor in Portland, OR

Premier Care Chiropractic knows how to treat your whiplash. We specialize in whiplash injuries — especially those caused by car accidents. 

Our team will discuss your medical history, perform a comprehensive assessment, and develop a treatment plan that’s specific to you. We can provide multiple different treatment modalities in-house and will help you through the right exercises to alleviate your pain and promote healing.

Reach out to Premier Care Chiropractic to schedule an appointment. We’ll work with you to get your treatment started, so you can get back to living your life.

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The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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