Whiplash is a common injury that occurs to a person's neck due to
forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck Most often occurs from
motor vehicle accidents but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical
abuse or other trauma. "Whiplash injury" is the term describes damage
to both the soft tissues and bone structures, whilst "whiplash associated
disorders" describes a more severe and chronic condition.
SYMPTOMS:
·
Neck
pain and stiffness
·
Persistent
Headache
·
Lower
back pain
·
Muscle
Spasm
·
Pain
or numbness in the arm and/or hand
·
Dizziness
·
Ringing
in the ears (tinnitus) or blurred vision
·
Difficulty
concentrating or remembering
·
Irritability,
sleep disturbances, fatigue
·
Psychological
and emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression
TREATMENTS:
Staying active
Patients
should not be afraid to move and be active. Staying active is one of the most
important aspects of whiplash management, unless there is some serious injury
that requires immobilization. In addition, health personnel will often
prescribe an exercise or stretching program. In order to achieve the best
long-term benefits, it is important to follow this program as prescribed.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is an effective treatment
option for whiplash, especially when combined with other treatments, such as
bracing and medications. Physical therapist can work with the proper function
and movement of those tissues. These are therapeutic exercises that strengthen
your body so that your spine has a better support. They should not, however,
replace an active-care program of exercise and stretching.
Chiropractic care
Various
researchers conducted different studies to establish the efficiency and safety
of using chiropractic treatments to relieve pain. Your chiropractor will
perform a thorough history and physical examination, may request x-rays or
other imaging if necessary, will provide treatment to the soft tissues and
joints as necessary, and will teach you proper home care for your injuries. Spinal
manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor can also give
relief in many cases of neck pain.
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