What is Whipash Injury?
By Dr. Bill Thesier, Virginia Beach, Va Chiropractor
What exactly is a “whiplash”? It is a condition where the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spinal joints of the neck and back are forcibly overstretched beyond their normal range of motion, causing damage to the adjacent nerves, discs, muscles, bones and ligaments. When we think “whiplash”, many people think they are only caused by car accidents. The fact is any fall, or even long term repetitive movements, can cause the injury we know as “whiplash”.
A better term for “whiplash” is the hyperflexion/hyperextension injury where the joints are forcibly moved beyond their normal range of motion and the supporting soft tissues are permanently injured. The symptoms following a “whiplash” sometimes are immediate, or can take days, weeks or even months to develop. Common symptoms following a “whiplash” injury are headaches, neck and arm pain, low back pain, leg pain or sciatica, ringing in the ears, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of concentration. These symptoms can be very painful and debilitating and if not treated properly, the damage it causes can last a life time.
If you have suffered a “whiplash” type injury, either in a car accident or from a fall, it will help you to come to our office as soon as possible for a thorough examination. We will then establish a treatment program which will help you restore normal joint function and minimize the long term damage caused from your injury. Treatments can include spinal manipulation, various physical therapy modalities, exercises and soft tissue techniques. The sooner you start care, the better your chances for a full recovery. Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, just off the interstate, our chiropractic office is conveniently located for people from Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake.
Call us today at 757-486-3222 to start care.
