The musculoskeletal system is responsible for movement, stability, and balance. Since it is in charge of mobility, it works every day for seven days a week – making it prone to suffering from injuries. The most common injuries include bone fractures, muscle strain, sprain, and whiplash, among others.
Whiplash is one of the most painful injuries that can happen to the neck. It occurs when the head and neck are forced backward and then forward, which commonly occurs during vehicular accidents, gameplay, and sudden movements. About two-thirds of people involved in vehicular accidents develop symptoms of whiplash. Whiplash treatment involves the care of a licensed chiropractor. Here are important facts about the condition.
Whiplash: What Is It?
Commonly called neck sprain, whiplash is an injury to the neck after abrupt and rapid movements. It occurs when the neck tissues become extended beyond the normal range of motion. In many cases, whiplash occurs in people in motor vehicle accidents or collisions.
Causes of Whiplash
A whiplash injury occurs when the neck suffers sudden movements, like backward, forward, or sideways. Whiplash isn’t considered a diagnosis, but it describes the mechanism of injury leading to a muscle sprain and strain. The most common causes of whiplash are car accidents, sports accidents, or accidents in the workplace.
Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash
In a whiplash, the small blood vessels in the neck area tear, resulting in the release of inflammatory substances. It causes swelling, inflammation, and pain. Though these are the most common signs and symptoms, there are others such as blurred vision, headache, reduced range of motion in the neck, dizziness, neck stiffness, anxiety, and in some cases, mental disturbances. Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and imaging tests on your head, neck, and arms to know the extent of the damage and prescribe an effective whiplash treatment plan.
Whiplash Treatment
It is important that treatment is provided immediately after a vehicular accident injury. If whiplash is not treated, it can result in long-term pain. There’s no single treatment for whiplash, but the most common combinations of treatments include pain relievers, physical therapy, gentle exercises, massage, cold compress, warm compress, and chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic care has shown promise as a treatment for whiplash injuries. It helped bring back the neck’s function and range of motion, and at the same time, reduce pain and swelling.
How Whiplash Impact Daily Life
Many people who suffer from whiplash injuries underestimate the condition at first, not minding the signs and symptoms. They often regard the injury as mild and go on with their life since they know the condition will heal over time. Often, they do not seek medical attention. Effective whiplash treatment should be sought immediately for full recovery and to prevent further complications. Look for expert chiropractors in Lehi who can provide immediate care and treatment for your whiplash.
Inflammation and tension may occur after the initial injury and can cause serious complications. People with whiplash suffer from long periods of persistent pain and stiffness. In some cases, they can’t properly work or engage in physically strenuous or mentally-demanding jobs.
Whiplash is a serious and painful condition. It’s important to have urgent care to prevent further complications. It’s best to seek chiropractic care immediately. Chiropractic care is important right after any accidents, particularly vehicular accidents. It aids in preventing long-term pain and reducing the severity of the spinal injury.
