Whiplash

What it is:
Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain (link to “sprain” page), is an injury to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways. This movement can result in:

	Stretched or torn neck muscles or ligaments
	Bulging or herniated discs
	Annular tears
	Misaligned vertebrae, also called subluxations
	Loss of the neck’s normal forward curve
	Accelerated degeneration of the discs
	Accelerated development of arthritis

Every year, about 3 million Americans suffer whiplash injuries from auto accidents – and these accidents don’t have to be major. Vehicles can usually withstand collisions of 10 mph without damage. However, whiplash can be caused in accidents of just 5 mph.

Sports, falls and other injuries can also be responsible for whiplash.

Where it occurs:

Whiplash is an injury to the neck (cervical spine).

The Symptoms:
Patients with whiplash may experience:

	Stiffness
	Neck Pain
	Shoulder, upper back, or lower back pain
	Headache
	Dizziness
	Nausea
	Numbness
	Tingling
	Blurred vision

Apart from neck pain, people with whiplash tend to also note daily activity problems,including difficulty with reading, computer work, moving or turning the head, lifting and traveling.

It’s important to note that whiplash symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months after an accident. This makes it extremely important to be thoroughly examined after even a minor accident.

If left untreated, whiplash can result in chronic neck pain and other serious conditions. For example, one study showed nearly 40 percent of whiplash victims still experienced pain seven years later.

What are my treatment options?
Chiropractic Medicine, Physical Rehabilitation, and MCU Therapy