What is a Whiplash Trauma?

Following a shock, (most often during an accident) if the head swings forward and back like a whip, ligaments connecting cervical vertebrae stretch suddenly. When these cervical ligaments stretch significantly, this also causes a sudden stretching of the nerves and blood vessels. This phenomenon is the so-called “lash”. All injuries on the ligaments, blood vessels, and muscles of the neck are included in the theme of this trauma.

Emergence of Whiplash Trauma

This injury is most commonly the result of auto accidents, when a sudden impact comes from behind and forces the head to swing back and then immediately swing to the front. Even if you are able to brace for impact, unfortunately there can still be significant strain on the neck, and when you arecaught off guard, the injury can be even more serious.

Whiplash Symptoms

  • Neck pain and limited mobility of the head
  • Often reduced sensitivity and pain that radiates to the arms
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Ringing in ears

Treatment of trauma

The main task is to immobilize the neck. Healing and strengthening stabilizer muscles can be helped through rehabilitation and physiotherapy, both of which Dr. Mohr, your Tampa chiropractor, can help walk you through. After trauma, the neck is very sensitive and should be treated carefully. Signs and symptoms can begin as soon as hours later, or even days later, so it’s always best to consult an experienced doctor as soon as possible following an auto accident or potential whiplash injury.

During your appointment, the doctor will gather information and ask you questions in order to learn more about the exact circumstances of the accident. Then, through a detailed examination, he will exclude the possibility of a fracture or other serious injury. By assessing your specific case, you and the doctor can work together to come up with a plan to not only relive pain and symptoms as soon as possible, but also strengthen the neck and surrounding areas to help with recovery. As with similar injuries, surgery is only needed in rare cases and should only be considered as a last resort.

If you have recently been in an auto accident or feel you may be experiencing whiplash pain, give our office a call or request an appointment here.