Whiplash: Side Effects Beyond Neck Pain
Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing a strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Even though it is typically caused by car accidents, it can also occur from sports injuries or falls. Whiplash is often associated with neck pain, but the effects can go beyond just the neck. In this blog, we will explore the different side effects that whiplash can cause and how to treat it.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck and upper back. It occurs when the head is forcefully thrown in one direction and then suddenly snaps back, causing a whiplash-like motion. This sudden movement puts strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and can cause damage to these tissues. Whiplash can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms.
How Does it Happen?
As mentioned before, whiplash is most commonly caused by car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions. When a vehicle suddenly stops, the body continues to move forward due to inertia and then snaps back when it hits something, causing the neck to jerk back and forth. This motion can also occur in contact sports or during a fall. The abrupt and forceful movement of the head can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck.
Common Side Effects of Whiplash
Neck and Shoulder Pain
The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain, but it may also spread to the shoulders and back. The pain may feel tight, sore, and achy, making it hard to turn your head or move your neck in certain directions. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any neck pain after an accident, as whiplash can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Headaches and Dizziness
Another common side effect of whiplash is headaches, which can range from mild to severe. These headaches are usually caused by tension in the neck muscles and can lead to dizziness or vertigo. If you experience severe headaches or dizziness after an accident, it is best to seek medical attention right away.
Back Pain and Numbness
Whiplash can also cause pain and numbness in the back and arms. This happens when the nerves in the neck are compressed, leading to a tingling or numb sensation in the arms and hands. In severe cases, whiplash can cause a herniated disk in the back, which can lead to chronic back pain.
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances
Whiplash can also lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances. This may be due to the pain and discomfort of the injury, which can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Additionally, the body may be dealing with inflammation, which can also lead to fatigue and lethargy.
Psychological Effects
Finally, whiplash can also lead to psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These psychological effects can be due to the trauma of the accident and the pain and discomfort of the injury. It is important to address these psychological effects in addition to the physical symptoms of whiplash to aid in a full recovery.
Whiplash is not just a pain in the neck, it is a serious injury that can have long-term consequences if left untreated. While neck pain is a common symptom of whiplash, it can also lead to headaches, back pain, numbness, fatigue, and psychological effects. If you have experienced whiplash after an accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure a full recovery.
Whiplash Treatment at Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab
The treatment depends on the severity of the pain. For immediate relief, Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab offers injections that soothe inflammation and release tension without affecting the rest of the body or mind. Treatments for chronic pain linked to an old injury include:
- Manual therapy from the chiropractor to reset misalignment
- Massage and stretching to loosen up tight muscles
- Relaxation techniques to help tension melt away
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Chronic pain management treatments to help you avoid both medications and surgery
- Corrective care for the cervical spine to help restore the curve
Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab
If you have been in an accident or are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with whiplash, don’t wait to seek treatment. At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab, our team can help relieve your pain and aid in a full recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healing from whiplash. Remember, early treatment is key to preventing long-term side effects of this common and often underestimated injury.
