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Whiplash is a type of neck sprain or strain that occurs when your head jerks back and forth abruptly, violently, and without notice.
Whiplash causes your neck's soft tissues to move beyond their normal range of motion.
Because whiplash symptoms may not develop right away after a severe accident, it's critical to monitor any physical changes for a few days afterward.
Following an accident, it's also critical to see a Nashville whiplash chiropractor.
Whiplash is usually a minor ailment, but if left untreated, it can result in long-term pain and discomfort.
We'll go over some more details concerning whiplash in the article below, including the most prevalent reasons.
What Causes Whiplash?
What Causes Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common neck injury produced by a sudden jerking motion of the head, similar to how a whip cracks.
A car accident, specifically a rear-end collision, is the most common cause of whiplash.
As the seat forces the person's body forward and the unconstrained head and neck fall backward, the head and neck are driven into a hyperextended position by the rear impact of the collision.
The head and neck then recover and are placed in a hyperflexed position.
Recent research employing high-speed cameras and crash dummies found that following a rear-end collision, the bones in your lower neck are forced into a hyperextension position, whereas the bones in your upper neck are driven into a hyperflexed position.
After a rear impact, your cervical spine takes on an aberrant S-shape, which differs from normal motion.
The ligaments, facet capsules, and muscles that keep the cervical vertebrae together are damaged as a result of this aberrant motion.
Whiplash injuries can also be caused by:
Abuse of the physical kind
Horseback riding
Rollercoasters
Bungee jumping
Sports injuries
Cycling accidents
Falls in which the head jerks back violently
Blows to the head with a heavy object
Any high-impact activity where extreme acceleration-deceleration forces act on the cervical spine
The Common Symptoms of Whiplash
The Common Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear immediately after an injury or days later. Whiplash-associated diseases, or WAD, is a broad term that refers to a wide range of possible whiplash symptoms.
Typical signs and symptoms include:
Neck pain
Chronic neck pain
Back pain
Shoulder pain
Neck stiffness and a limited range of motion
Muscle spasms
Headaches and migraines
Fatigue
Anxiety
Memory issues
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Sleep disruptions
Irritability
Concentration problems
Depression
Complications Due To Whiplash
Complications Due To Whiplash
Some individuals who suffer from whiplash suffer from chronic pain and headaches for years after the injury.
This pain can be traced back to injury in the neck joints, discs, and ligaments, according to chiropractors.
Chronic pain after a whiplash injury frequently has no medical explanation.
Fortunately, if whiplash is treated promptly after an injury, very few people develop long-term consequences.
If you don't seek treatment right away, it could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to years to recover from a whiplash injury.
How Is Whiplash Treated?
How Is Whiplash Treated?
Whiplash sufferers may be relieved to learn that there are various at-home treatments that can help with the symptoms.
The best strategy to treat a whiplash injury is to reduce the pain and stiffness in the neck by healing the damaged soft tissues in the afflicted area.
Even after receiving treatment, it may take a few days or months for the symptoms to go away completely, depending on the severity of the whiplash injury.
Neck injuries are difficult to predict, and some people suffer from neck discomfort and stiffness for a long time.
Whiplash symptoms can be alleviated with a variety of at-home treatments.
Apply an ice pack to your neck as soon as possible after the accident. Leave it on for at least 15 to 20 minutes. To help decrease swelling and pain, repeat this procedure every 3-4 hours.
Medications available over-the-counter can help. Tylenol, Advil, and Motrin are examples of pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals. However, before using any over-the-counter (OTC) medication, consult your doctor. Painkillers should only be used for a limited time because their negative side effects can occasionally exceed their advantages.
After a whiplash injury, it's vital to maintain appropriate posture. To avoid stiffness, constantly keep your neck and back straight when sitting, standing, or walking. While you're recovering from your accident, you can use back support in your chair. While recuperating from whiplash, you should stay active and undertake some light neck and shoulder exercises. Avoid putting undue stress on your neck.
If these at-home remedies don't relieve neck pain or stiffness, you should seek medical attention.
How Chiropractors Treat Whiplash
How Chiropractors Treat Whiplash
Chiropractors can reduce pain and promote healing in the damaged areas by employing a variety of treatment techniques.
Following an in-depth physical exam and a review of your medical history, your chiropractor can treat your whiplash injury using the following procedures.
Chiropractic adjustment: Short thrusts or slower movements are used in a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation to gently move the afflicted joint towards the restricted location. This aids in the restoration of movement and the promotion of healing.
Muscle Relaxation and Stimulation: Chiropractors can reduce tension in the afflicted muscles by gently stretching them. To ease discomfort, the stretches can be paired with finger pressure treatments on specific pressure areas.
McKenzie Exercises: McKenzie exercises are used to treat whiplash-related disc degeneration. These exercises can be done at your chiropractor's office or taught to you so that you can do them at home, giving you more control over the healing process.
When To See A Doctor
When To See A Doctor
If you're suffering from chronic pain as a result of a whiplash injury, you should get treatment from a chiropractor as soon as possible.
If you have severe neck discomfort, you should seek care as soon as possible.
Whether you were in a car accident, experienced a sports injury, or were engaged in any other type of traumatic accident, it's critical to get a quick and correct diagnosis so you can get back on your feet.
A team of professional chiropractors at Advanced Injury Care is ready to assist you in recovering from your whiplash injury.
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