What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is defined as "an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward of forward." Whiplash usually occurs when the head and neck are unexpectedly or suddenly thrown very quickly in one direction and then rebound in the opposite direction. You might say the head is "whipped around" on the neck. A whiplash type injury doesn't only occur in automobile accidents. Whiplash injuries may occur as a result of sudden forces to the body such as in contact sports like football, soccer, or boxing, falls, direct trauma to the skull or even a sudden sneeze.
If you experience any of the following after any accident, you may have whiplash:
- headaches, head and neck pains, stiff neck, muscle spasms.
- Restricted head motion.
- Equilibrium problems, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears.
- Experiencing eye strain.
- Feeling light-headed, excessively tired, or blacked out.
- Experiencing any neuralgia (nerve pain) or neuritis (nerve inflammation).
- Cold hands or feet, or numbness of arms, hands, shoulders, feet or legs.
- Experiencing periods of unexplained depression, anxiety, irritability.
- Unable to concentrate, poor memory.
- Pains between the shoulders, low back pains, tremors, rapid heartbeat.
These types of injuries may develop quickly, or they may not show up for hours, days, or even weeks. Therefore, following even a minor accident, the kind where you just feel "shaken up", a visit to the doctor of chiropractic is in order. A doctor of chiropractic will make a thorough examination, including the use of x-rays and clinical laboratory tests. Following evaluation, the chiropractor will make the necessary delicate spinal adjustments to correct any misalignment of vertebrae; also alleviating pinching of nerves or constriction of blood supply to the body. Do not put off an early visit to your doctor chiropractic following any accident!
