Whiplash is an injury caused from a sudden forceful movement of the upper spine, typically in a rapid back and forth motion. It’s commonly seen in cases of car accidents, sport collisions and falls. Here are 6 symptoms of whiplash injury explained.
Neck, shoulder or back pain
When the body experiences a whiplash motion from a sudden force, it can put stress on the neck, shoulders, and the back. The spine may have shifted out of alignment and/or there is strain to the soft tissues. Pain can also indicate a fracture or damage to the intervertebral discs.
Numbness or tingling in the arm and hand
If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in one or both of the arms or hands, there is a likelihood of a pinched nerve. The peripheral nerves and the brachial plexus are two nerve groups that extend from the upper spine. Damage to these nerves can radiate down the arms and hands.
Decreased motion in the neck and shoulders
Stiffness and decreased motion in the neck and shoulders is a common symptom of whiplash. Consequently, stress to the spine, neck, and shoulder muscles can create muscle spasms and immobilize your range of motion.
Ringing in the ears
Ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus) is caused by damage to the brains auditory pathway. The sudden force caused from a whiplash injury can damage body parts that control auditory function.
Headaches
Headaches are very common with whiplash injuries, and typically start from the neck and the base of the skull. Known as cervicogenic headaches, the increased tension created from the whiplash injury produces the headache pain.
Blurred vision or dizziness
Blurred vision or dizziness can also occur from a whiplash injury. Strain and stress to the neck affects the vestibular system, visual system, and the proprioceptive system. Equally important after a whiplash injury is clearing you from a potential traumatic brain injury, which may also show these symptoms.
It’s important to keep in mind that some symptoms of a whiplash injury won’t show up right away. It could be hours or even days after the accident occurs before you start to feel the effects of injury. Understanding these 6 symptoms of whiplash injury can help you know when you need to seek out medical care.
All in all, if you’ve experienced a car accident, fall, or a collision playing sports, contact Silver Chiropractic and Wellness today for a full evaluation. Get back to feeling better, faster.
