Whiplash, What is it?
Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion. Often, you feel pain and stiffness in your neck for the first few days following a whiplash injury. You might then feel better, but the pain and stiffness may come back several days later. The discomfort you feel may involve surrounding muscle groups in your head, chest, shoulders, and arms.
Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes what is inside in the vehicle to be thrown forward – including passengers. A seat belt will keep a person’s body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome.)
Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms below, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment. Common symptoms of whiplash include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, irritability, fatigue, dizziness, pain between the shoulder blades, pain in the arms or legs, pain in the feet and hands, nausea, ringing of the ears, and vertigo.
