What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a rapid back and forth, or side to side, motion of the spine. This rapid, forceful movement can result in many tissues being damaged or irritated, leading to a variety of different conditions/symptoms ranging from headaches, to dizziness, to nerve pain and more.  Some of these symptoms may be present immediately after the accident/injury, some symptoms may begin a few days after the initial injury.

Potential Conditions Caused by Whiplash included but are not limited to:

• Traumatic Bring Injury/Concussion
• Sprain/Strain of the Neck
• Sprain/Strain of the Back
• Disc Herniation of the Neck
• Disc Herniation of the Back
• Cervicobrachial Syndrome
• Cervicocranial Syndrome
• Sacroiliitis
• Fractures
• Ligament Instability of the Spine

Tissues/structures in your spine that can be effected from whiplash include but are not limited to:

• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Joints
• Discs (Intervertebral Discs)
• Nerves
• Spinal Cord
• Brachial Plexus
• Brain
• Arteries
• Bones

If any of these tissues/structures in your spine are injured or irritated, you may experience pain, decreased range of motion, muscle spasms, and/or numbness/tingling/pain down an arm or leg.

Potential Symptoms Following Whiplash include but are not limited to:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Pain when turning the head
• Inability to move or turn the head fully
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression

Potential Factors that Complicate Recovering from Whiplash include but are not limited to:

• Severity of Damage
• Number of Injuries Involved
• Kind of Tissues Involved
• Previous Traumas
• Poor Posture
• Poor Sleeping Position
• Poor Lifting Mechanics
• Improper Ergonomics When Working
• Restricted/Altered Joint Motion
• Muscular Imbalance
• Muscular Weakness
• Repetitive Motion
• Stress
• Lack of Sleep

Often, there are a combination of factors causing symptoms and complicating recovery.   Our doctors work hard to determine these factors and come up with individualized treatment plans to reduce your pain as quickly as possible.  Reducing these factors also helps to decrease the risk of future flare-ups or additional problems from developing.

How are Whiplash Injuries Diagnosed?

At CSMC, your first visit will start with a consultation and physical exam in order to determine which tissue/structure is causing your symptoms, how severe the condition(s) is, and any contributing factors that may slow down or prevent proper healing.

This involves discussing your symptoms, when they are at their worst, the impact it is having on your life and putting together a set of treatment goals you would like to accomplish (examples: picking up kids or sleeping without pain).  It is important to bring any previous medical notes or images for the doctor to review and take into consideration for your case.

Next, a physical exam will be performed, physical exams typically consist of:

• Neurological Evaluation
• Orthopedic Testing
• Postural Assessment
• Chiropractic Evaluation
• FunctionalAssessment
• Range of Motion Measurements
• Referral to Imaging/Advanced Diagnostic Testing (When Necessary)
• Radiographic Biomechanical Analysis (When Necessary)

These tests may aggravate your symptoms, so let your doctor know what you are feeling.

For imaging and additional testing, CSMC coordinates referrals to specialty radiologists as needed.

What Treatments are Available?

CSMC takes a customized, comprehensive approach to care for all types of back pain. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address your back pain:

• Various Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
  • Based on Preference/Condition
• Flexion/Distraction
• Decompression Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Ergonomic Training
• Massage Therapy
• Postural Correction
• Topical Analgesics
• Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

These therapies may be recommended individually or together to relieve your symptoms, improve your range of motion, strengthen your core, improve posture and/or stabilize your condition depending on your needs.

You can find the help you need at CSMC. Book your appointment today.