What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are whipped from back to front, usually as a result of a motor vehicle collision, and often rear-end collisions. Whiplash can also occur as a result of trauma, accidents, abuse as well as slips or falls.

Often people don't even realize they have a whiplash injury until weeks or months after the collision, usually when the pain becomes persistent and leads to other problems.

When whiplash occurs after a car accident, or while playing contact sports many  things can happen to the spine and surrounding soft tissue.

Results of whiplash include but are not limited to:

  • Herniated discs
  • Bulging discs
  • Subluxations
  • Injured bones in the neck or spine
  • Irritated or damaged nerves
  • Pulled ligaments and/or muscles in the neck

You may have whiplash if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands and fingers
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Depression
  • Headaches or Migraines
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain when turning the head
  • Inability to move or turn the head fully

If you have recently been injured or in a motor vehicle collision, it's important to get your spine checked as quickly as possible.