Though most associate whiplash with car accidents, a variety of falls, tumbles, and sports-related collisions can result in whiplash. The results are often the same. Whiplash can injure the joints of the neck as well as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that keep the neck stable. Since nerves from the neck extend both up to the head as well as down the entire length of the arms, neck injury can affect a large area of the body. Often the severity of the injury is not immediately obvious since structural changes can take place that result in more severe symptoms years down the road.
The most common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and tightness, headaches, pain into the shoulders, and numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers. Long term results of whiplash injuries include increased arthritis and decreased range of motion in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, and possible chronic neck pain.
Dr. Underwood recommends a thorough examination as soon as possible after a whiplash injury. Though hands-on adjusting may not be performed immediately, other therapies such as Activator instrument-assisted adjustments, Soft Tissue Therapy, and Massage may be performed to minimize the damage of the whiplash injury. A comprehensive plan will be formed to ensure your return to full health.