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How do you know if that lingering neck pain is a sign of something more than just a simple strain?
People often get neck pain for common reasons, like neck strains, which often result from overuse and improve with rest. However, it sometimes stems from something much more severe, like whiplash, which requires immediate medical attention.
This blog will help you understand the differences between whiplash vs. neck strain and how natural, noninvasive treatment options like chiropractic care in Burbank, CA, can help.
Neck strains and whiplash initially feel the same. Muscle pain, headaches, and stiffness may arise, but that's mostly where their similarities stop, as their causes and treatments differ. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
| Neck Strain | Whiplash | |
| Causes | Overstretching muscles and tendons due to overuse, poor posture, or improper lifting | Sudden jolt of the neck, such as accidents and contact sports |
| Symptoms | Pain, weakness, spasms, stiffness, headaches | Pain, spasms, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision |
| Onset | Immediate or delayed | Immediate or delayed |
| Severity | Mild to moderate symptoms that resolve in days or weeks | Mild to severe symptoms, sometimes neurological, that last for significantly longer |
Neck strain happens when you overstretch and tear your neck muscles, often resulting from poor posture and lifting heavy objects with improper form.
Meanwhile, whiplash occurs after a sudden movement of your cervical spine. It's a common injury after car accidents and other traumatic events that rapidly jolt your head back and forth, damaging the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones along your neck and upper back.
It can be challenging to determine whether you've suffered from a strain vs. whiplash—at least at first. Take their indications, for example.
Common symptoms of neck strain include:
Meanwhile, whiplash symptoms vary from minor to concerning:
Some symptoms overlap but differ in pain pattern and severity. It's best to get a professional assessment from the start to identify your injury and determine the proper steps toward healing.
Strains are mostly mild and manageable. They usually resolve in a few days or weeks, and then you can fully recover and return to your daily routines.
However, whiplash isn’t as forgiving. While mild symptoms heal within several days, severe cases usually worsen within weeks or months. They could even trigger more concerning associated disorders, such as chronic pain, blurred vision, and memory problems.
Strains and mild whiplash symptoms are typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, hot compresses, and mobility exercises.
However, severe whiplash requires more in-depth treatment that addresses the underlying causes of these symptoms. This means creating a personalized treatment plan that might include chiropractic care, physical therapy, and other specialized treatments.
Want to avoid medication or surgery? Thankfully, chiropractic care has proven to be an effective, noninvasive approach to neck injury treatment. You can avoid the side effects of medication and the long recovery times often associated with surgery.
Many chiropractic offices, such as More Life Chiropractic, offer tried-and-true treatment programs for patients suffering from strain and whiplash injuries. Personalized services usually include:
Chiropractic care has helped countless patients enjoy better mobility and reduced pain, enabling them to regain their quality of life. In fact, a clinical trial published in the journal Spine found that chiropractic care for chronic neck pain was more effective than exercise alone.
Rest assured that our chiropractic care for neck pain is safe and tailored to your specific condition. Our goal is to help you heal quickly and effectively.
Examine yourself. If you notice any of the following sensations, it might be time for a physical examination by a chiropractor.
Many of our patients in Burbank, CA, sustain neck injuries from long commutes, working at studios, or experiencing sudden impacts from fender benders. Remember, early care leads to better results. Don't wait; let professionals like More Life Chiropractic guide you to a safe, effective, and lasting recovery.
As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure." While treatments for neck pain relief are available, the best way to deal with whiplash and strains is to prevent them from happening. Here are simple steps you can do daily:
Moreover, periodic chiropractic care also helps maintain spinal alignment, which strengthens the neck region and prevents injury.
At first glance, discerning whether you suffered from whiplash vs. neck strain can be confusing since symptoms overlap. However, familiarizing yourself with their differences can help you determine the best path forward.
More Life Chiropractic is here to help, whether you're recovering from an accident or dealing with day-to-day neck pain. Dr. Bijan Nowzari is a leading chiropractic expert for neck problems in Burbank, CA. His tailored care can help you get back to a pain-free life.
Unsure what's causing your pain? Book your appointment today and let's find out!
