What is Whiplash?

Whiplash Neck Injury One of the most common traffic accidents is a rear end collision. Chances are you know someone who has had a car accident recently. You may even be a victim of a fender bender or something much more serious. Your body may have suffered painful consequences even if your car damage was minor. 7 Bones plus 8 Sets of Nerves = 1 Big Headache Whiplash injuries are complicated – what with 7 neck (cervical) bones, and 8 sets of nerves exiting these bones it’s no wonder that things aren’t always what they seem. The nerves exiting our spinal column in our neck go to our head, neck, shoulders, arms and fingers. We are an exquisite web of complicated connections. Even a small injury to this part of our anatomy deserves careful and respectful assessment and treatment. Headaches can be caused by a pinched nerve in your cervical spine (your neck). Studies have shown that adjustment of this area of your spine is most effective in fixing headaches associated with whiplash injury. Covering up the symptoms with painkillers is not the answer. Up to 10% of whiplash victims become significantly disabled – don’t let this happen to you. Other Symptoms Caused by Whiplash Whiplash injury can be responsible for a variety of symptoms. Neck pain is an obvious one but other symptoms may include: trouble sleeping, blurry vision, memory problems, fatigue, ringing in the ears, heaviness in the arms and pain between the shoulder blades.rnSome people are at greater risk for whiplash than others. If you are female, have a long slender neck, or already have arthritis in your neck, you are at greater risk. rnLate Whiplash Syndrome It’s very common for people in “minor” accidents to get delayed onset of whiplash – officially known at “Late Whiplash Syndrome” - even as long as 6 months after the actual event. Be aware of potential delayed symptoms. rnRestoring range of motion and daily activities as quickly as possible is of great importance to keep the injured soft tissue from developing persistent stiffness and muscle atrophy. This gradual loss of function may cause nerve inflammation resulting in delayed onset of neck and shoulder pain as well as headaches. Seek Help As Soon As Possible Guarding your precious health is your number one priority. Getting in to see a Upper Cervical Chiropractor (one specializing in adjusting the bones in the upper neck) is a very wise precaution after ANY car accident or injury that involves impact to the upper neck and head area. Your Chiropractor is also expert at treating soft tissue stiffness and range of motion problems. Professional help with appropriate pain reduction therapy is therefore money well spent.