Whiplash—More Than Just a Pain in the Neck
When you hear the word ‘whiplash’, most people immediately think of a car accident. Though a large percentage of those suffering from whiplash do get it from a car accident, it is also a common sports injury, can occur if you receive a blow to the head, fall or are hit by a falling object.
Whiplash: The Facts
- Every 2 out of 3 people who are involved in car accidents develop whiplash symptoms
- Whiplash can occur in crashes as little as 5 mph!
- It can take anywhere from 2-48 hours for symptoms of whiplash to show up
- Whiplash usually results in strains and sprains
- Whiplash can be caused by front, rear or side collisions
- Whiplash causes your neck to get thrown backwards then forward very quickly. This can put a large strain on those muscles and ligaments that help to support your spine.
Whiplash Injuries Can Cause…
- Sprains in the spinal column
- Disc herniation
- Fractured or dislocated vertebrae
- Strains in the tendons and muscles in the back or neck
- Chronic pain
Whiplash Symptoms:
- Feeling nauseous
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- A decreased range of motion
- Pain when you shake or nod your head
- Headaches that shoot towards your forehead or don’t go away
- Tingling down the arms
How to Treat Whiplash
- Chiropractic care or physical therapy—doctors will help with mobilization, manipulation and exercises to reduce whiplash pain
- Stretching and moderate exercise can help
- Icing the affecting area for about 30 minutes for a few days after the injury can help reduce inflammation
- In severe cases of whiplash injuries to the discs, vertebrae or nerves, injections may be necessary
- Massage—massage will help to relieve the tightness and pain felt after a whiplash injury. Massage brings increased blood flow to the area to help with the healing of damaged tissues and muscles and may relieve symptoms of headaches.
- Soft tissue Myofascial therapy
If you or someone you know is suffering from whiplash, help is available with Fusion Rehabilitation. Fusion’s expert specialists will use a variety of approaches to ease and manage your pain. We are here to help you regain range of motion and get back to living your life pain-free.