

Whiplash is a common complaint of neck pain that occurs when an external force causes the neck to jerk back and forth in a rapid motion. This is usually the result of a rear-end car crash. Technically speaking, whiplash is the unrestrained transfer of energy causing your head to extend backward beyond its normal range of motion then rapidly change direction and bend forward again beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause significant damage to ligaments, tendons, muscles, and the facet joints in the cervical spine, all which contribute to chronic neck pain.
By far, the most frequent cause of a Whiplash injury is a car accident involving being hit from behind. Car accidents are not the only cause, however. Some other causes of Whiplash are:
Call Now To Schedule Your Same-Day Appointment and Diagnosis
The symptoms of Whiplash vary greatly from individual to individual. They may be immediate or you may not experience any symptoms until days after the incident. They may include any or all of the following:
The treatment for Whiplash depends on the specific symptoms that you are experiencing as a result of your injury. Thorough education of the disorder, what occurred, and that most people with Whiplash reach a point of recovery seems to be the most important intervention that needs to precede any other treatment.
In the past, treatment Whiplash symptoms consisted of wearing a soft collar for several weeks. But it has been determined that this immobilization of the cervical spine is detrimental to recovery and that early gentle range of motion exercises will speed recovery. Along with gentle active movements, other treatments that may improve the symptoms of Whiplash are:
Alternative methods may be beneficial as well such as: