Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash is typically caused by a sudden distortion of the neck, often as a result of a traumatic incident such as a car accident. The injury can occur in any direction, often resulting in discomfort. Whiplash can also occur from playing different kinds of contact sports. Football is a primary cause of whiplash since it results in high impact collisions between oncoming defenders and the ball carrier. However, car accidents are the number one cause of whiplash in the majority of cases. Even small fender benders can cause your neck to move in odd directions, creating long-lasting discomfort. In other rare cases, amusement park rides can also cause this type of injury. During these instances, the ligaments in the neck are strained and become unstable.
Dr. Semente, our chiropractor in Nesconset, can help with any pain you are experiencing and answer any questions that you may have developed. Whiplash can be very painful and the discomfort usually worsens within 12-24 hours from the sprain. The next day you will likely experience a lot of neck stiffness and pain. People who have whiplash may experience:
-
- Migraine headaches – This is due to the injury of the neck.
- Difficulty moving the neck and the lack of flexibility in the neck – Can’t look right to left without having any pain.
- Tenderness and pain on the back of the neck.
- Lower-back pain.
- Feeling dizzy when standing and having numbness or pain in your neck (pins and needles feeling).
- Vertigo and spinning sensations.
Less common symptoms of whiplash include having a hard time concentrating, memory loss, and being very irritable.
A medical professional may have you do an MRI, X-ray, or CT-scan to see if it is just whiplash or if it is another complication. Treatment can include exercise with repetitive movements that will help build back your muscle and instability. Only start this when the pain has been reduced. Start off with light exercise to the neck to get movement back. Depending on how severe the whiplash is, it can take up to 1-4 weeks to fully recover.
Contact Us
By reaching out to our chiropractor near Nesconset, Dr. Semente can provide treatments that will help aid your whiplash symptoms. Contact his office today for further information.
