Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that typically occurs during a rear-ended automobile accident.  The head very quickly moves backward and then in a forward motion mimicking a whip being cracked, hence the name, whiplash.  Other modes of whiplash can involve physical abuse or sports related injuries.

Neck muscles, soft tissues, and ligaments are over-stretched during this incident due to them being pushed beyond their normal range of motion. Damage to the joints, discs and ligaments can cause problems later on.

Some symptoms would be neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision and fatigue.  Symptoms become more of a concern when pain extends towards the upper back and arms. 

Treatment includes ice, rest, over-the-counter medications, chiropractic care and exercise therapy to strengthen the neck back to its normal range of motion and pain free.

X-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s can help rule out severe damage to the neck