What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of head and neck injuries resulting from an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck.
Whiplash injury of the head and neck is caused by a sudden exaggerated thrust of the head backward, forward and sometimes sideways. Abnormal forces are applied to muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones, inter vertebral discs, blood vessels, and eyes as the weighty head moves beyond physiological limits.
There maybe no visible bruises or abrasions from this type of injury yet victims report classic symptoms. The symptoms are due to the injuries of vertebrae and of soft tissues of the head and neck.
Massage, manipulations and ultrasound is used to provide comfort and pain relief, while certain exercises can be used to strengthen the neck muscles and speed the healing process.
Cervical Machine.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash?
The first symptoms of whiplash may not occur for a day or two after the initial accident, so it is important to monitor your symptoms and watch for any of the following after being in a car accident or other similar incident:
Neck pain and stiffness
Difficulty and pain when moving the head and neck
Decreased range of motion of the neck
Headaches, usually starting at the base of the skull
Dizziness
Inability to move a joint
Tiredness
Less common symptoms associated with whiplash that you should see your doctor about are:
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the upper back and arms
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Insomnia
Changes in personality such as irritability or increased anger
Depression
Difficulty with your memory
Difficulty concentrating