What is Whiplash? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Whiplash motion shown here.

Whiplash affects millions of people each year, yet many don't fully understand what happens to their body during this common injury. Whether you've been in a car accident or experienced a sports-related collision, knowing the facts about whiplash can help you recognize symptoms early and seek appropriate treatment.

Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine. This soft tissue injury occurs when  your head suddenly jerks forward, back or side-to-side, causing your neck muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range.  of the head and neck. You can get whiplash in many other ways besides just car accidents. Playing sports, horseplay, awkward falls or even a sudden sneeze can result in whiplash. 

Let’s learn about whiplash and the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash symptoms don't always appear immediately after an injury. Many people feel fine initially, only to experience pain and stiffness hours or even days later.

Immediate Symptoms

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Headaches, especially at the base of the skull

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

Delayed Symptoms

• Shoulder and back pain

• Pain or numbness radiating down the arms

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory problems

• Irritability

Severe Symptions

• Severe neck pain

• Pain that spreads down your arms

• Numbness or weakness in your arms or hands

• Loss of movement in your neck

Recovery

Whiplash is painful, and many times people will choose to enlist a chiropractor service for help and pain relief. A chiropractor can put the spine back in alignment so that the rest of the body can heal.

If you have had problems after an accident such as headaches, head and neck pain, stiff neck or muscle spasms, you could have whiplash. You will be able to recognize these signs quite easily and you will find in a case of whiplash, you have restricted head motion. You will not be able to turn your head all the way in the directions you want. You can also have equilibrium problems and a loss of hearing and you may experience ringing in the ears which are all signs of whiplash.

If you are feeling lightheaded and excessively tired or even find yourself blacking out, it is a for sure sign you have most likely hurt your neck. If you are experiencing any nerve pain or nerve inflammation in the area of your neck you should get checked as well. Cold hands and feet are often a symptom, so is numbness in the arms, hands, shoulders, feet or legs. Periods of unexplained depression and anxiety could be a factor as well as irritability. You will find it hard to concentrate and may have a poor memory,

Most people recover from whiplash within three months, but some may experience chronic pain. Factors that can slow recovery include older age, existing neck problems, and more severe initial symptoms. Remember that recovery is often gradual, and patience with the healing process is important. 

Taking the Next Step

Whiplash may seem like a minor injury, but prompt recognition and treatment are essential for optimal recovery. If you suspect you've suffered whiplash, don't wait for symptoms to worsen.

Contact us at Align Chiropractic for proper evaluation and personalized treatment plan.