By Dr April Mettler – CC’s Staff

What in the Whiplash? 

A whiplash injury is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip — hence the name “whiplash.” It is most commonly associated with rear-end car accidents, but it can also occur from sports accidents, physical abuse, or other trauma.

Causes

• Rear-end car collisions (most common)
• Contact sports (football, boxing)
• Falls
• Physical assault (being shaken or punched)

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the injury, but sometimes they can take a few days to develop:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, usually starting at the base of the skull
• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Tingling or numbness in arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems (in some cases)

Treatment

Whiplash often goes undiagnosed as people do not have immediate symptoms, which can result in more chronic neck symptoms. It is best to have an evaluation by a physical therapist to assess and treat the muscles that were traumatized as a result of the injury as soon as able after injury…early intervention is the best intervention. Treatments may include functional dry needling, exercise, and manual therapy to restore mobility and decrease or eliminate pain to the head and neck.

We can help you treat these symptoms, and many more. Learn about the conditions conditions we can treat here! Check out patient testimonials and more here, and stay up to date with all things CC’s.