Whiplash: A 'Small" Injury Can Have a Huge Effect
The term whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that result from a rapid back and forth motion of the neck, and because of this has also been termed an acceleration - deceleration injury. These injuries are not just confined to a car crash. They can also be as a result of contact sports or sporting accidents, or be caused by a a slip or a fall. The most common symptoms of a whiplash injury are neck pain, headaches, and radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Pain after whiplash happenswhen the delicate ligaments supporting your neck have been damaged, and newresearch indicates that even low-speed crashes can create the force necessaryto cause pain and injury. Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet jointsand spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion.Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI ofyour neck to evaluate your injuries better.
- Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.
- Whiplash can cause neck pain and headaches due to injuries to the facet joints, spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
- Chatswood Chiropractor and massage have been recommended at effective treatment for the management of neck pain after whiplash.
A stiff neck after one ofthe above mentioned accidents is a good clue that a whiplash injury may haveoccurred. Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising. This can take up to 24hours to develop. In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons,or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal, with thescarring of these tissues lasting a lifetime if not looked after correctly.Remember that getting an evaluation, and the proper care early on can help youreduce your pain and heal better and faster. Know that we’re here to supportyou on your road to recovery.