Hit a speed bump too hard? Signs you might need neck sprain treatment in Tallahassee
You were heading home after dinner with friends, enjoying the ride and chatting. Everything felt smooth until your friend missed a speed bump. The car jumped and your body jolted forward and back in an instant. It all happened so fast but you were okay or at least you thought so.
You reached home, got into bed and expected a good night’s sleep. But a dull ache crept into the back of your head. Your neck felt tight and the lower part of your back was sore too. You thought it was nothing and you would be fine in the morning.
But what if it is not? What if that sudden jolt caused a serious neck sprain which needs urgent chiropractic adjustment in Tallahassee?
What is a neck sprain?
A neck sprain appears when the neck ligaments are stretched too much. It often occurs due to sudden movements.
Many people think that neck injuries are not a concern until there is a major accident. Sadly, even small jolts can strain your neck. It might not hurt right away but symptoms can show up hours or even days later.
Signs that you may have a neck sprain
Suppose you hit a speed bump too hard and are feeling discomfort. You should not ignore these signs.
- Consistent neck pain
You may feel soreness at the base of your skull and down the sides of your neck. If your neck hurts when you move it, then may be something is not right.
- Difficulty in moving neck
Is it harder to turn your head to the side? Do you feel like your neck is locked in place? A stiff neck could mean that your neck muscles and ligaments are not the same as before the accident.
- Headaches at the base of your skull
Neck injuries can lead to tension headaches. Your neck sprain could be the reason you feel pain at the back of your head that spreads to your forehead.
- Lower back pain
The impact of a hard speed bump goes beyond the neck. It can also strain your lower back. If you feel soreness at the base of your spine, your back takes a hit too.
- Tingling arms
Do your arms and hands feel numb or weak? It might mean there is a compressed nerve in your neck. This is a sign that your injury is serious than you think.
- Dizziness or blurred vision
A severe jolt can affect your balance as well as your vision. Your body tells you that something is wrong when you feel lightheaded.
Why you should not ignore a neck sprain and search for a chiropractor open near me
Many people assume they will get better after a minor injury. But ignoring a neck sprain can lead to long-term problems:
Chronic Pain – If left untreated, a simple neck sprain can turn into long-lasting pain that never fully goes away.
Reduced Mobility – Stiffness can get so bad that you cannot move your neck naturally.
Pinched Nerves – A compressed nerve is painful. It gives you weakness or numbness in your arms.
Headaches and Fatigue – An untreated neck injury can trigger ongoing headaches that give you constant tiredness.
What should be the ideal neck sprain treatment in Tallahassee
Do not ignore any of the symptoms above. Instead you should follow the tips given below.
- Apply ice to take care of the swelling
Use an ice pack on your neck for 15 minutes every few hours for the first 48 hours. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
- Avoid moving your neck too much
Be gentle and avoid sudden neck movements right after the accident. Sudden jerks can make the injury worse.
- Use a good pillow designed for neck sprains
Sleeping on a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position can prevent further strain.
- Drink more water
Muscles heal faster when you drink plenty of water. Dehydration can make your pain worse.
- See chiropractors in Tallahassee Florida
Does pain persists even after a week? It is time to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors specialize in treating neck and back injuries caused by sudden impacts.
How the best rated chiropractor near me can help
A chiropractor can examine misalignment in your spine and neck. Then they perform gentle corrections to the spine. These are painless alignments which actually improve blood circulation. Recovery becomes faster when a chiropractor also provides rehab exercises. They recommend simple exercises to strengthen your neck and back.
When should you seek immediate help from a chiropractic in Tallahassee?
A neck sprain can be more serious than it seems. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel that your pain is getting worse over time. Do not ignore the numbness in your arms and legs. You should not feel any difficulty in breathing or swallowing, if it happens consult a trusted chiropractor immediately. Loss of balance or coordination is another sign that you should not delay your treatment.
Additionally, your condition requires immediate treatment if you are planning to get personal injury insurance protection. If you wait 14 days or longer, you may find it difficult to cover the medical costs with an auto accident protection plan.
Conclusion
That one missed speed bump might have felt like nothing, but it could bring real problems if your neck and back took a hit. Do not wait for it to get worse. Seek immediate treatment if you are in pain or dealing with headaches after hitting a speed bump too hard.
Need expert care for your neck sprain? Visit our clinic today and get personalized chiropractic adjustment in Tallahassee. We accept auto accident insurance and are located right across the street from Leroy Collins Leon County Main Public Library. So stop dealing with long-term pain or mobility issues. Listen to your body and get the care you need before a small sprain turns into a bigger problem.