Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

In the United States alone, more than 2 million people suffer from whiplash injuries each year. Whiplash is the name given to a group of symptoms that occur when the neck jolts following an injury or an accident. Whiplash can happen with any impact or blow that causes the head to jerk forward or backward.

In a case of whiplash, the intervertebral joints (located between the vertebrae), discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots may become damaged. Injuries to the neck include strained muscles, ligaments and tendons, and herniated discs. This jerking motion strains the neck and the abrupt force can also injure bones in the spine, discs between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tissues in the neck. Any time there is a fiber torn in a muscle or tendon, it’s called a strain. If this occurs in a ligament, it is called a sprain. Whiplash generally involves both a strain and sprain. Type and extent of injuries can vary greatly per individual.

Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

Symptoms of whiplash usually manifest themselves within 24 hours of the accident, but typically show up within the first 6-12 hours. If left untreated, symptoms can worsen in the days following the injury. When symptoms occur, they often include:

• pain and stiffness in the front and back of the neck (the pain may get worse when turning the head)
• headaches
• pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• low back pain
• pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand
• a tingling sensation in the shoulders or arms
• jaw pain
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• blurred vision
• difficulty concentrating or remembering
• irritability
• sleep disturbances and fatigue
• depression
• memory loss
• trouble swallowing
• nausea

Symptoms related to whiplash can worsen through sustained postures like reading, driving, sitting in a computer, using a mobile phone, or watching TV.

Most people who undergo whiplash can recover within a few months. Some people are impacted by the injury for many months or even years after the initial episode. Its essential to seek medical attention for a whiplash injury to help speed up the healing process and reduce pain and swelling as soon as possible. Studies reveal that the someone and a physician visit the shorter their recovery time.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Whiplash Injuries

Generally, whiplash can be diagnosed clinically by a thorough history and physical examination by a healthcare professional. In most cases of whiplash, injuries are to soft tissues such as discs, muscles, and ligaments, and cannot be observed on X-rays. Specialized imaging tests, such as CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be needed to accurately diagnose whiplash, but are not required for the diagnosis.

Previously, whiplash injuries were often treated with immobilization (preventing the neck from moving) in a cervical collar. However, the treatment is to encourage movement rather than immobilization.
Ice may be applied for the first 24 hours after the injury, followed by gentle active movement. Common treatments for whiplash include:

Chiropractic Adjustments: Spinal adjustments done by a doctor of chiropractic will help restore normal joint movement and function on your neck. Your whiplash pain can be treated by a chiropractor at its source, by treating the subluxations in your spine. This restore function to your nerves allowing your body to recuperate faster and will reduce your recovery period. Chiropractic adjustments can decrease your pain levels and help you feel better faster.

Massage: In combination with chiropractic care, massage can be a beneficial treatment for whiplash injuries. A massage by a therapist can help relieve discomfort and pain associated with whiplash. There are 3 kinds of massage are usually used for whiplash treatment. The first sort of massage is called myofascial release. Myofascial release techniques help loosen limited neck muscles and fascia to improve. The second sort of massage is known as static compression. Implementing static compression to the trigger factors increases oxygen flow to the impacted muscles. This increased flow of oxygen helps muscles heal. The third type of massage is called deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage helps release deep fascia, adhesions, and scar tissue which may occur with a whiplash injury. This sort of massage can help back and free up tissue that has tightened around nerves in the neck. Make sure to tell the massage therapist your pain level before receiving any sort of treatment.

Exercise: A chiropractor, in addition to other healthcare professionals, can recommend a variety of stretches and exercises, aside the primary therapy, to help improve the symptoms of whiplash. An acceptable set of physical exercises can help the overall recovery of the individual, speeding up.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, are frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine, as well as to the rest of the spine. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

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