Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, commonly referred to as a sprain or strain. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion. The disorder commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. However, the injury can occur in various other ways as well.

Chiropractors receive intensive training in diagnosing and treating strain/sprain type injuries. Immediate treatment of Whiplash will decrease the likelihood of a painful, chronic condition.

Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later. Other symptoms of whiplash
may include the following:
Neck stiffness

• Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
• Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
• Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion)
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness (could indicate injury to the esophagus and larynx)
• Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesias)
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain

Although these are some of common symptoms of whiplash, please consult a trained health care provider to get the
proper diagnosis. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat whiplash cases.

Diagnosis of whiplash should be completed by a licensed health care provider. Diagnosis might involve palpation of the spine (touching) looking for signs of swelling or edema. Xrays may be used to look for ligamentous or bone damage, although many times damage does not show up on xrays and an MRI may be required. Proper orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests should be used to assess the proper motion of joints in the spine.

Treatment is aimed at reversing the sprain/strain complex, and giving you relief. We want to reduce pain, muscle spasm, reduce swelling, reverse joint fixation, take the pressure off the nerve, reduce a ruptured disc and refer you to an Medical doctor if you have a fracture, dislocation, or any medical condition. Exercises will be prescribed to help increase mobility. Chiropractic adjustments will be used to help restore mobility to individual segments of the spine. Massage therapy may also be prescribed to help reduce muscle spasms and tenderness. Dr. Mary works with the massage therapists at Body and Balance to help make your treatments convienient.