Whiplash
Whiplash is a common name for an injury that occurs when the head and neck are whipped. The head usually snaps backward and then rebounds forward. Although we usually think of an auto collision, whiplash can occur in a fall or other accident.
This whipping motion usually strains or tears muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues of the neck and frequently injures the spine as well. Some of the symptoms of whiplash are swelling or tenderness in the neck, sore throat or loss of voice, trouble swallowing, jaw pain, back pain or shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, headache or dizziness. Complaints of nerve damage are also possible and may include tingling or numbness or weakness of the neck, shoulders, arms or hands. Lower back and leg pain may also accompany whiplash.
A prompt chiropractic exam is the best advice following a neck injury. Your chiropractic doctor will determine how badly you are injured and decide on a treatment plan to speed healing.
Recovery is in stages. The first stage is to support and protect the injury and decrease pain. The second stage is to restore normal movement and function of the spine. Healing the injured muscles and ligaments is handled in this stage also. It is important that injured nerves heal properly as well.
Treatment may include chiropractic manipulation and other therapies to speed healing. Exercises and stretches may be used to strengthen injured muscles of the neck and shoulders.
Even with proper treatment, complete healing may take some time. It is important to achieve full recovery from a whiplash injury to decrease the chances of chronic problems.