Wiplash occurs when the head and neck are whipped from back to front. It is a common injury for people involved in car accidents. Whiplash can also occur while playing contact sports, or from trauma, physical abuse, assault, or falling.
When whiplash occurs, the muscles and ligaments are overextended which leads to strains or tears. This soft tissue damage can cause stiffness and soreness. Additionally, after whiplash occurs during the initial impact, your body can also experience the following as a result:
- Disc bulges
- Disc herniation
- Injured bones in the spine
- Irritated or damaged nerves
- Pulled ligaments and muscles of the neck
- Subluxations (misalignment) of the vertebrae
Even if the impact seemed mild, you may experience any of the following from whiplash:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Inability to move or turn the head fully
- Neck Pain
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers
- Pain when turning the head
- Ringing in the ears
- Shoulder, upper back and arm pain
Dr. Rob Cartwright in Fairfield can help your body heal after experiencing whiplash. After an initial assessment, examination and x-rays, Dr. Rob will be able to determine your best plan of care. Each adjustment you receive will release the pressure off the discs and nerves as the spine is returned to its proper alignment. The sooner you start treatment the less change you have of developing a long-term problem. If you have been in a car accident or have experienced an injury involving your head and neck, call us today to schedule an appointment.