A Beginner’s Guide to Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury to the neck that is sometimes called a neck sprain or neck strain. It can cause a variety of symptoms, from pain and stiffness in the shoulders and neck to blurred vision, headaches, and more.

While, in the past, some may have considered it to be a minor injury, modern understanding of whiplash has caused medical professionals to now realize that it needs to be taken seriously and treated properly to avoid long-lasting pain and complications.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully moved back and forth rapidly. It gets its name because the rapid movement is similar to the motion of a whip.

In a whiplash injury, the intervertebral joints in your neck (which are located between the vertebrae) can be injured, as can the discs themselves. Ligaments, muscles, and even nerve roots can also be damaged as well.

When whiplash occurs, the tendons and ligaments in your neck may stretch and tear leading to pain and a reduced range of motion. People who suffer from whiplash develop pain that lasts for days or weeks. In some cases, whiplash symptoms can be long-lasting, with the person feeling the effects for months or even years. This is more likely in cases where proper treatment is not administered.

Causes and Symptoms of Whiplash

One of the main causes of whiplash is vehicle collisions. When a vehicle is hit from behind, the force can cause a person’s head and neck to abruptly jerk forward or backward, causing injury. Whiplash can also be caused by sports injuries and other similar situations.

Whiplash symptoms typically include stiffness or pain in the neck, decreased range of motion, and pain that worsens with movement.

However, some people who suffer from whiplash also experience weakness in their arms and legs, tingling feelings in the limbs, or numbness. In some cases, whiplash will also cause fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, headaches, and much more. 

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you are suffering from pain, stiffness, or difficulty your neck or shoulders, and you’re wondering what is whiplash and unsure if you are suffering from it, you may want to speak with a medical professional.

Whiplash isn’t apparent on imaging tests such as x-rays, since it primarily affects the soft tissues of your neck. Therefore, you should see a docto if you have been in an automobile collision, suffered a sports injury, or have severe pain, weakness or stiffness in your back, neck, or shoulders. A doctor can rule out broken bones or other damage and recommend a treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Some people who are suffering from minor whiplash injuries can treat their condition with rest and over-the-counter medication. However, much like with most injuries, there are different degrees of whiplash and different treatments are needed for different individuals.

Whiplash treatment options have several goals. The first is often to control or manage pain. Restoring proper range of motion is also important. With treatment, someone who is suffering from whiplash can hopefully return to their prior activities without pain or discomfort.

Chiropractic treatment can be very beneficial for whiplash sufferers. Spinal manipulation, muscle relaxation techniques, and stabilization techniques can ease pain, restore range of motion, and strengthen the area.

When you receive a chiropractic treatment for whiplash , the process starts with a consultation. Each patient is different and thus there is not one standard treatment process that works for all people. By providing personalized and holistic care, a chiropractor can help those suffering from whiplash, no matter their condition.

The caring and knowledgeable team at Kilian Chiropractic  is here to help. We will work with you to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs with the help of the PMotion injury prediction model  that is designed to reduce pain, strengthen the area, and help you return to your usual activities. For more information, please call us at (604) 688-0724 or book a chiropractic appointment online .