The term whiplash represents a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck.
Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear, however the injury can be sustained in many other ways, including; falls from bicycles or horses, during a roller coaster ride or during sports, like skiing accidents.
SYMPTOMS
The injury itself is usually a tear/stress of soft tissues in the neck caused by sudden, forceful movement. Symptoms may occur immediately, or the injury may not be recognized until hours or even days after the trauma occurred. A whiplash injury victim may experience one or more of a variety of symptoms: muscle spasms, cervical spine pain, headaches, shoulder/neck pain, nausea, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, dizziness, concussion, limited range of motion, numbness, or reduced ability to hold the head erect.
The extent of the injury depends upon not only the severity of the actual accident, but of any potentially complicating factors experienced before the accident, such as a previous spinal injury or surgery, advanced age, congenital spinal problems, etc.
RECOVERY TIME
Again, it depends on the factors mentioned above: severity of injury, treatment required, and length of time between accident and professional evaluation. On your first visit to the clinic we will perform a number of tests which will help us estimate the time of recovery. By determining the appropriate level of treatment, recovery time is kept to a minimum.
We have dealt with whiplash cases many times and have good relationships with local lawyers and insurance companies. Give us a call or pop into our Chiropractors Cambridge clinic, we would love to help.
