Whiplash Specialist

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by rapid, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the crack of a whip. This whipping motion affects the soft tissue in the neck by extending and flexing the tissue suddenly.

Automobile accidents are the most common cause of whiplash but any action that moves the head back and forth violently may cause whiplash. This violent motion may injure the discs and joints between the small bones of your spine and even damage the ligaments, muscles and nerves in your neck and upper back.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

Neck pain is the most common symptom of whiplash but you may develop other signs and symptoms, such as neck stiffness, muscle and ligament injury, headache, dizziness, shoulder or back pain and abnormal sensations, including prickling or burning. In some cases, whiplash can cause memory loss, problems with concentration, nervousness and irritability, fatigue, sleep problems and even depression. 

Symptoms may appear immediately after the whipping action occurs or they may develop several days after the event.

Does Chiropractic Treatment Work for Whiplash?

Chiropractic treatment can significantly ease the symptoms of whiplash and bring relief from pain, stiffness and dysfunction that can keep you from going to work, attending school or taking care of your family. Chiropractic treatment for whiplash includes spinal adjustments to return the bones of the neck to their normal positions, corrective exercises that gently stretch injured muscles, massage to relax muscles, and lifestyle advice that helps you avoid activities that can aggravate your whiplash.

The outlook for patients with whiplash is good, especially with prompt chiropractic care. Proper care usually alleviates head and neck pain within a few days or weeks and most patients recover within three months.