Understanding Whiplash

   Whiplash is one of the most common symptoms post-accidents that patients may report having. This condition is known as having a neck injury due to your head experiencing a rapid back-and-forth movement, resulting in pain and injuries in the intervertebral discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.

   Whiplashes often arise from accidents, especially rear-end collisions. According to Whiplash- A Patient’s Guide to Recovery, written by Arthur C. Croft, D.C, M.Sc, M.P.H, F.A.C.O, “ ‘In fact, more than half of all whiplash injuries occur in crashes in which there is little or no damage to the vehicle’.” (1)

   Whiplash duration can vary among patients; for some, it may loiter for weeks, while others, it may last for months. 

   Some important symptoms to recognize are neck pain and stiffness, dizziness, tingling and numbness in the arms, pain that derives from neck movement, or headaches. 

   It is crucial that once patients are involved in an accident, that they seek medical care, so that they may start treatment for their symptoms as soon as possible. Methods to treat whiplash include customized chiropractic treatment plans that may include exercises, spinal manipulation, modalities, and massage.

   Exercise is not only a great way to reduce pain symptoms, but maintaining general health as well.