Whiplash is quite common universally and is significant enough to be aware of it. Whiplash is the name given to the injuries caused by a severe jerk to the head, typically in a motor vehicle accident. It usually results from a sudden collision from the back when you are in a stationary position, mostly car crashes.
Any unexpected jolt to the body that causes a rapid backward and then forward motion of the head can strain and sprain the spine at any level. An impact that produces such sudden violent motion causes the cervical spine to twist and wrench past its normal ranges. This will affect the muscle, tendons, ligaments, joints, vertebrae or the nerve roots and injure any of these. Normally whiplash is not a life threatening injury as the neck has not been broken, it is seen mostly victims recover in few weeks of time but there are 10% who develop chronic whiplash syndrome.
Although the culprit mostly is thought to be the road accident; mostly an impact from the rare but the impact can come from any direction. Quite frequently whiplash is also seen to be caused by assaults, falls, strenuous physical activities, work injuries and contact sports. People over 65yrs and female are more prone to it as their neck muscles are not as well developed as of males. People with congenital disorders with narrow spinal canal are also predisposed to it. Bad posture, poorly positioned head restraints can become a factor too.
The symptoms that appear after the whiplash can be mild to severe. It is possible that these may not appear right after the incident and start progressing 6-12 hours after the injury or may be after a few days. The area that is mostly affected is usually right below the skull. There can be pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back. 75% victims complaint headaches and stiffness of neck. In some cases there can be nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing of ears, jaw pain. In severe cases there can be tingling or numbness on the face or the limbs is felt if the nerves get injured. There can be difficulty in concentrating, memory loss, sleep problems, irritability and depression. Majority of the mild to moderate case symptoms wear off within few days to months and may need only over the counter prescriptions but in small number of cases the symptoms can become chronic.
Usually a collar is immediately placed on the neck of the patient. To rule out any serious injury to neck or the body X-ray should be done and for further investigation MRI or CT scan can be obtained also. Depending upon the symptoms treatment can be varied but most of the symptoms require only pain killers. Initially collar may be given but its prolonged use is discouraged as prolonged immobilization has proved to slow the healing process. Unless there are serious injuries, early mobilization is definitely recommended. It is important to educate the patient about whiplash, if not tackled on time the injury can go into chronic stage. It has been stated that chiropractic care proves beneficiary to the whiplash injury.
Dr Reza Naghavi (DC) at ‘Walk in Chiropractic’ clinic says some cases may only require ice and heat therapy for the pain and muscle spasm from Whiplash injuries. Primary objective of the entire walk in chiropractic team is to approach the basic damage in each patient as per requirement. Commonly spinal manipulation, muscle stretching exercises, relaxing massage therapy or Trans-cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) treatment are given. These are followed by advices for ergonomic and lifestyle changes for minimal strain to the body in day to day life.
If you have suffered the injury or someone you know has, we at ‘Walk in Chiropractic ’ clinic can help you. The staff will satisfy all the queries regarding the injury. You can call us on 713-529-4808.
