Whiplash—More Than Just a Pain in the Neck

whiplash-595x312When 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.

Contact  us  today  to  schedule  an  appointment!

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