Karen & Whiplash
Whiplash
I had whiplash, for the 2nd time, 6 years ago, for which the doctor promptly prescribed muscle relaxers. My neck felt better but after a week it didn’t feel right. Time went by and it got harder and harder to turn my neck to the right, (the side that had the whiplash) until it started getting sore.. like a stiff neck. I asked my daughter to massage my neck for me and then I realized I couldn’t feel her right thumb on that part of my neck. There was also a pretty big lump there. I finally had enough of feeling lousy so I came to Dr. Mike. Through chiropractic treatment I no longer feel the lump in the back of my neck. I can turn my head to the right just as far as to the left and not feel like my neck is going to catch and I don’t get headaches that I used to get. It feels so great to reach back and feel a properly adjusted neck; it has been a long time!! I have been to other chiropractors in the past in other states where I have lived and I can tell you that Dr. Mike is one of the best that I have been to. He really does seem to care and he really knows what he is doing. I love the little extra that he will go to help out his patients.
Thank you Dr. Mike!
Karen
Chiropractic Care: Symptoms of Whiplash
In the past a typical whiplash injury, where no bones were broken, was hard to document. Soft tissue injury didn't show up on normal x-rays/radiographs and insurance companies would deny coverage. Literally adding insult to injury, the patient suffering all too real pain was considered to be a fraud, a liar, or at best a hypochondriac. New imaging devices (CAT Scans, Magnetic Imaging, and Ultra Sound) now show soft tissue injury and insurance companies now cover most whiplash injuries. When no bones are broken and the head doesn't strike the windshield, typical symptoms are as follows: 62% to 98% complain of neck pain, which typically starts two hours up to two days after the accident. This is often the result of tightened muscles that react to either muscle tears or excessive movement of joints from ligament damage. The muscles tighten in an effort to splint and support the head, limiting the excessive movement.
Sixty-six to 70% of those suffering from whiplash complain of headache. The pain may be on one side or both, on again off again or constant, in one spot or more general. These headaches, like the neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and, like tension headaches, they are often felt behind the eyes.
Shoulder pain often described as pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area, may also be the result of tensed muscles.
Muscle tears are often described as burning pain, prickling or tingling. More severe disc damage may cause sharp pain with certain movements, with or without radiation into the arms, hand and fingers, which are relieved by holding your hand over your head.
The chart below lists the most common whiplash symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, play it safe and get a chiropractic check up.
Basic Whiplash Symptoms
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the arms or legs, feet and hands
- Headache
- Low back pain and/or stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Vertigo
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain in the jaw or face
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