What is a whiplash and what causes it?

Whiplash is a neck injury due to a fast and vigorous back-and-forth movement of the neck. It typically occurs during a car accident, but the injury can also result from sports, trips and falls.

Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness and headaches. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes treatment to restore normal functional and advice on dos and don'ts. However, some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting problems.

Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness and headaches. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise. However, some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting problems.

Causes

Whiplash typically occurs when your head is forcefully and quickly thrown back and forth. This motion can injure bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck.

Problems

Most people who have whiplash feel better within a few weeks. However, some people continue to have pain for several months or years after the injury occurred.

It is difficult to predict how each person with whiplash may recover. In general, you may be more likely to have chronic pain if your first symptoms were intense, started rapidly and included:

• Severe neck pain

• Headaches

• Pain that spread to the arms

When to see a chiropractor

See a chiropractor if you have any neck pain or other whiplash symptoms after a car accident, sports injury or other traumatic injury. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and to rule out broken bones or tissue damage that can cause or worsen symptoms. 

Call Spinal Care on (02) 8964 6385 or book online to see Dr Stephen Yoon or Dr Andrew Al Hage for a consultation.