Whiplash

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Dealing With Whiplash

The neck consists of seven vertebrae, each separated by a shock-absorbing disc, contributing to its structure. This region exhibits significant flexibility and mobility, relying on muscles and ligaments for support. "Whiplash" occurs when these tissues are stretched too intensely or excessively, similar to a rope that frays when pulled beyond its limits. It’s a prevalent injury resulting from car accidents, and chiropractic treatments can provide effective relief.

Auto Accidents & Whiplash

The primary cause of whiplash is involvement in an automobile accident. As many as 83% of individuals in such incidents may experience some form of whiplash injury. Various factors can help predict the severity of these injuries. Typically, those who are hit from behind in a rear-end collision tend to sustain the most significant harm.

Furthermore, being struck by a larger vehicle significantly heightens your risk of injury. It's important to note that your vehicle doesn't need to show visible damage for you to sustain injuries. In reality, the extent of damage to your car often has little relevance to the severity of your injuries. Most modern vehicles are equipped with shock-absorbing bumpers designed to reduce damage, yet they may not offer adequate protection to occupants during low-speed collisions. Even rear-end impacts at speeds of less than 5 MPH can lead to notable symptoms.

Other factors that lead to Whiplash

Other factors that may sometimes elevate your risk of injury include: mispositioned head restraints, slippery or icy road conditions, having your head turned or extended at the moment of impact, and not being aware of the looming collision. As we age, the tissues that support our necks lose elasticity, which in turn raises our susceptibility to injury. Additionally, females tend to be more prone to injury than males. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing arthritis are at a greater likelihood of experiencing related complaints.

Symptoms Of Whiplash

Symptoms can begin almost immediately or may manifest later on. Initially, you might experience some soreness in the front of your neck, which typically resolves quickly. Persistent issues often include neck pain and a general sense of discomfort that intensifies with head movement. While the pain is usually felt at the back of the neck, it can radiate to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. Tension headaches frequently accompany neck injuries, and there is also a possibility of experiencing dizziness and TMJ disorders.

In some instances, symptoms may escalate over time. While resting may offer some relief, it often contributes to stiffness. It's crucial to notify your doctor if you experience any signs of a more serious injury, such as an intense or unusual headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, “fogginess,” difficulty focusing, dizziness, slurred speech, trouble swallowing, changes in vision, nausea, vomiting, or numbness or tingling in your arms or face. Additionally, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control, or a fever should also prompt immediate medical attention.

Getting Over Whiplash

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to limit strenuous activities for a period of time. It’s important to recognize that experiencing pain is a natural response to injury; however, drastically reducing your daily activities might prolong your recovery. Aim to "act as usual" and return to your normal routines as quickly as possible.

For most individuals, it’s advisable to refrain from heavy lifting and to take regular breaks from extended activities, especially those involving overhead movements. Patients dealing with whiplash should also avoid wearing heavy headgear, such as hard hats or helmets, whenever feasible. Cervical collars are generally not beneficial and should be reserved for situations as directed by your healthcare provider. During the first few days, you can apply ice for 10-15 minutes each hour, and heat may be beneficial afterward. Consult your doctor for tailored advice on ice and heat application. Some patients find partial relief with sports creams.

Scar Tissue & Whiplash

Sprain and strain injuries result in the replacement of your normal, highly elastic tissue with far less elastic "scar tissue." This transformation can result in persistent pain and, in some instances, lead to arthritis. More than half of those who sustain such injuries will experience neck pain lasting up to a year following the initial incident. Therefore, it is crucial to seek early and appropriate treatment, like the services we provide in our office. If you were traveling with others, there is a significant chance they may have also sustained injuries. It is in the best interest of all passengers to be examined at the earliest opportunity.