What is Whiplash and How is it Caused?
A sudden movement of the head in a forward, backward or sideways motion that causes trauma to the neck is referred to as “whiplash”. The damage to the neck is caused by the sudden jerking of the neck beyond normal limits. One of the most common causes of whiplash is from auto accidents but, other events like sporting accidents or work mishaps can also cause the injury.
What Does Whiplash Feel Like?
The pain of whiplash can vary from person to person. Some people may experience sharp pains or stiffness in their neck and upper back, while others may feel numbness or tingling sensations radiating down their arms. Other symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. In extreme cases, there can also be nerve damage resulting in permanent disability.
Can You Have Whiplash and Not Know It?
Yes, it is possible to have whiplash and not know it. Most people don’t realize that they have whiplash until after a medical evaluation has been done. This is why it is important to get checked out by a doctor if you suspect that you may have suffered whiplash, even if your symptoms are mild. Delayed diagnosis of whiplash can lead to long-term damage, so early diagnosis and treatment are key for recovery.
People suffering from whiplash may recover from symptoms in a few days or even hours, depending on the intensity of the movement but for many, it can be a much longer process. Patients may need weeks or even months of therapy to recover.
If you think you may have received whiplash from a recent accident, it is a good idea to get a thorough examination from a chiropractor.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help.
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and offer a non-surgical alternative to treat many of the symptoms associated with whiplash. After a thorough examination of your entire spine, a chiropractor may request x-rays or other types of imaging if deemed necessary. Even though the trauma may be to your neck, it is possible that other regions of the spine have been affected.
A chiropractor can identify any areas of restricted joint movement, inter-vertebral disc trauma, muscle spasms and stress ("knots") or ligament injury and work on a treatment plan to help address any problems. Treatment is administered by manipulating, pushing and moving bones in the spine and joints. Anything that may have been moved out of place from a whiplash inducing accident may be able to be easily manipulated back into place by using chiropractic techniques.
If you have recently been in an accident and are concerned that you may have whiplash, contact Pro Health & Rehab to schedule a chiropractic exam.