Orlando Chiropractor Office Tells The Truth About Whiplash Injuries

If you live in the state of Florida then you know that the state has a very high number of automobile accidents and working with an Orlando Chiropractor I see many hurt people every week. The weird thing is that nobody really knows what happens when you experience whiplash or neck injury, meaning people do not really know how serious it can be. And working with an Orlando Chiropractor we have to stay educated on new solutions.

So what exactly is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a very generic term in reference to many certain types of injuries to the neck. It happens as very quick and violent jolt in one direction and then the other creating a whip like movement. Many people think or believe that you can only experience that in an automobile accident but it can also happen from sports injuries, work injuries or from any type of fall. Yes, whiplash injuries can cause death or paralysis. Keep in mind that even mild injuries may have a significant effect on the spine and your health.

What can I expect if I experience whiplash?

Whiplash most often results in sprain and strain injuries of the neck. A sprain of the spine occurs when the ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict movement of the vertebrae are torn. The joints in the back of the spine are called the facet joints; ligaments called facet capsules cover these joints. And of course, muscles and tendons are strained during a whiplash injury. They are stretched much further than their normal limits, causing tears within the muscles and tendons. The discs between the vertebrae, which are essentially ligaments, can be torn, potentially causing a disc herniation.

Orlando Chiropractors experience many whiplash cases and it is very important that we educate patients about the science of what they are going through.

What would be the common signs and symptoms of whiplash?

Signs and symptoms often do not develop until 2 to 48 hours after the injury. This scenario is relatively common but not completely understood. Some speculate that it may be due to delayed muscle soreness, a condition seen in other circumstances. In most cases you would see symptoms earlier in a more severe automobile accident.

Pain and stiffness in the neck are the most common symptoms. As the head moves back and forth, the action creates a sprain/strain in the region just below the skull, further down in the mid cervical spine, and in the muscles and tendons of the neck. Moving your head often makes the pain and discomfort worse. Headache, especially at the base of the skull, is also a common symptom, seen in more than two thirds of patients. These headaches may be one-sided (unilateral) or experienced on both sides (bilateral). In addition, the pain and stiffness may extend down into the shoulders and arms, upper back, and even the upper chest.

Some patients also experience dizziness, nausea, and even blurred vision after a whiplash injury. While these symptoms are disconcerting, in most cases, they can begin to heal within a relatively short time. If they persist, it is very important to inform your doctor that they are not healing. Some whiplash victims can experience vertigo or the sensation of the room spinning, ringing in the ears or great pain in the jaw.

Teaming up with an Orlando Chiropractor has broadened my view of how important it is for people to know and be aware of these symptoms.

How is whiplash treated?

Working in a top Orlando Chiropractor office we are constantly keeping fresh with what works and what does not. Staying active, patients should not be afraid to move around and be active, within reason. Only, of course it is a very serious accident where you are immobile. In addition, your doctor will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long term benefits. Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy, Ice and/or heat are often used to help control pain and reduce the muscle spasm that results from whiplash injuries.

You should not replace an active care program of exercise and stretching as it is needed in order to heal correctly. Spinal manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor can also give relief in many cases of neck pain.