Understanding Whiplash.
The structure of your neck is made from seven bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between each level. Your neck is relatively flexible, so it relies on your muscles and ligaments for support. "Whiplash" describes a situation where these tissues are stretched too hard or too far, much like a rope that frays when it is stretched beyond its capacity.
Auto Accidents & Whiplash.
Auto accidents are by far the leading cause of whiplash.
Up to 83% of people involved in car accidents sustain some form of a whiplash injury. The extent of your injury can be measured and viewed through several factors. Patients who are struck from behind in a rear-end collision will usually suffer the most significant injury.
Being struck by a larger or heavier vehicle can also greatly increase your risk. Your vehicle does not need to be visibly damaged in order for you to sustain an injury. In actuality, the amount of damage to your vehicle has a very limited relationship to your injuries. Rear-end impacts of less than 5 MPH routinely give rise to significant symptoms.
Symptoms Of Whiplash Can Begin Immediately Or Have A Delayed Onset.
Initially you may notice some soreness in the front of your neck that will usually fade quickly. Ongoing complaints about whiplash often include dull neck pain that will become sharper when you move your head. The pain is most commonly focused in the back of your neck but can spread to your shoulders or between your shoulder blades.
Tension headaches will regularly accompany neck injuries. Dizziness and TMJ problems are possible. Symptoms may also increase slowly over time. Rest may relieve your symptoms for a period of time but often will also lead to stiffness. Be sure to inform us if you have any signs of a more serious injury, including a severe or "different" headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, or "fogginess," difficulty concentrating, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling in your arms or face, weakness or clumsiness in your arms and hands, decreased bowel or bladder control, or fever.
Recovering From Whiplash.
After your accident there are many things to deal with. Mental and emotional pain, physical pain and usually car repairs too. It’s a hassle and a headache, pun intended. Early on in recovery from whiplash is to understand you’ve had a sprain and strain injury to potentially many places at the same time. Its going to hurt. Pain is appropriate the first couple of weeks as healing begins. Don’t be concerned that there is pain be concerned if its severe. This is temporary. Most people can continue normal daily activities with only slight modifications. This is the time for easy low resistance higher rep range exercise. Walking is ideal but just to your tolerance. If you need some pain reliever and want to avoid potentially dangerous pain meds I recommend Proze "Nerve." Here is a link for you to get it at a nice discount
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After a few weeks, a lot of healing has taken place. You will likely begin to notice more stiffness and the pain will be less sharp unless you move quickly or against too much resistance. This is a normal evolution of your situation. This is the time your exercises shine as a clear best way to progress. Keep in mind your nervous system is well aware of the injury. As a result, it will reflexively tighten big superficial muscles to act like a splint and at the same time inhibit small stabilizing muscles. This is why many people feel “fragile” shortly after an accident. It’s also why your weekly massages make no permanent changes, they just feel good at the time.
Exercise sounds scary at this stage but it’s the solution to your problem. A lack of the correct exercises is why many people “never feel the same” after a whiplash. Good news is, it’s never too late to introduce your body to the appropriate exercise challenges it needs to restore normal function. So, whether your accident was a month ago or several years ago, if you still don’t feel normal you can if you’re willing to put in the work. These rehabs are very rewarding to be a part of. People get their lives back. Allowing us to help you with that is an honor and we’re glad to do it.