Whiplash is a relatively common injury and is a neck injury that is brought by forceful and rapid back and forth movements of the neck. The spine was not designed to handle forces that car accidents exert to its sensitive structures. This is an injury on the soft tissues and bones in your neck, which causes restriction and pain that can affect your day-to-day life. Although this injury is not life threatening in most cases, anyone with whiplash symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
In a study done in 2005, if was found that 71% of people who experience an initial case of whiplash still suffer from at least one significant whiplash symptom seven years after the injury. Some of these symptoms include shoulder pain, neck pain, dizziness, headache, ringing in the ears or visual disturbances. If left untreated, whiplash is associated with developing disorders such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance or drug dependency.
Prior to our studies and tests done today, whiplash patients were given cervical collars to wear to restrict the movement of their neck to prevent from additional injuries. We have since then discovered that early range in motion exercises allow for rapid improvements in symptoms. Full symptoms may only begin to appear a few days after the impact, with an injury being felt 12 hours following the accident. It is always important to get yourself checked up immediately after an accident, as sometimes there will be a delay before effects emerge. Our clinic provides several exercise treatments to help you with a speedy recovery; we also provide multiple connections to send you out to any specialist you might need to assist in your care.