Ailments and Treatments
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common car accident injury.
It is most commonly caused when the patient is in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. The car can be either stationary or moving at any speed.
Whiplash is a term used to describe injuries to the neck caused by sudden movement of the head either backward, sideways or forwards. This movement takes the framework of the spine beyond its normal limits with the vertebrae being forced out of normal position and function. This can reduce the range of motion. The violent movement can cause the muscles, ligaments and tendons supporting the spine and head to be overstretched and torn. The shock absorbers of the spine, the discs, can bulge tear or rupture.
The nerve roots and the spinal cord can become stretched and irritated. As can be seen the occupant can receive a considerable amount of soft tissue injury. This leads to instability of the spine and soft tissues.
The symptoms that can arise from the this resulting instability are as follows:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the shoulder
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the arm
- Pain, pins and needles, numbness or muscle spasm in the hands
- Reduced ability to turn and bend
- Low back problems
Symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months, as the body attempts to adapt to the changes that have taken place.
