Being rear-ended is not the only way one can suffer whiplash. A fall that “whips” the head and neck will have a similar result, and often takes a similarly extended recovery time.
Though the cause is different, my treatment plan is the same: rest, anti-inflammatories such as ice and topical arnica, gentle chiropractic adjustments with the Activator instrument, and active care as soon as possible (stretches and exercises) to assist healing.
Persistent headaches that are unrelieved by clearing the cervicals, the cranial rhythms,, and occipital tension can have a hidden and often unsuspected etiology.
The key, discoverable by a highly trained, Advanced Proficiency Rated Activator Chiropractor like myself, may lie in the position of the posterior arch of C2.
When the arch is abnormally stressed superiorly, it often causes a headache.
This is quickly and comfortably corrected with the Activator instrument, applying the correct contact on the C2 posterior arch, and vectoring the instrument to make the adjustment.