Whiplash Q & A

What is whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly snaps back and forth, jarring the spine and neck. This is generally the result of an accident, most often an automobile accident where the car I rear-ended by another vehicle. The rapid movements associated with whiplash can injure the vertebrae of the neck, as well as the muscles and ligaments that support them. During a rear-end automobile collision, your body goes through an extremely rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration. This sudden and forceful movement causes substantial damage to the vertebrae, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments of your neck and spine.

What are the signs of whiplash?

Signs and symptoms of whiplash are usually evident within 24 hours of the injury and may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Increased pain with movement
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms

How can chiropractic help whiplash?

The damage from whiplash can become chronic over time if it isn’t treated well. This can cause the quality of life to diminish. Chiropractic techniques and skills work well to relieve the pain associated with whiplash symptoms. Spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, and soft tissue therapies are all beneficial for the following reasons after sustaining whiplash:

• They restore movement lost after the accident
• Allow the patient to overcome muscle weakness
• Diminishes chronic symptoms that can persist or recur over many years
• Enhances muscle tone
• Relieves pain and muscle stiffness
• Relieves headaches caused by muscle tension
• Speeds recovery

If you suffered whiplash from an automobile accident don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jesse for treatment to get you back in alignment and on the road to recovery before enduring constant headaches, depending upon addictive pain medication, or submitting to surgery.