Whiplash 101

People injured in a motor vehicle accident sometimes experience a strain of their neck muscles and the surrounding soft tissue, commonly referred to as whiplash. The neck muscles are extremely tender and the range of motion is severely reduced. The injury occurs most often when a vehicle is hit from the rear or the side, causing a snapping movement of the head and neck.

Whiplash symptoms

Whiplash symptoms include headache, dizziness, loss of mobility in the neck and shoulders, upper back pain, neck pain and even chest pain. Pain, stiffness and other symptoms of Grade 1 (tender muscles) or Grade 2 (limited neck movement) whiplash typically start within the first two days after an accident.

Get Assistance

Do not ignore whiplash type injuries. Get yourself examined if you experience any of these symptoms. Health care professionals are alert for the signs of more serious neck trauma and can help relieve symptoms.

Good News

The good news is that most whiplash injuries are not serious and will heal. Many people experience little disruption in their activities and are able to get on with their daily lives.

Not just from car accidents

Whiplash can occur from many causes, not just car accidents. For example, it can happen from falling down stairs, having something fall on your head or when tackled during contact sports. Whiplash can also occur at relatively low impact. For example, a hit in a car accident at less than 10km/hour can cause whiplash.

Well Adjusted…not just your neck

Properly adjusting the height of your car headrest will help prevent whiplash injury in an accident. In an ideal adjustment, the top of your head should be in line with the top of the headrest and there should be no more than 2 to 5 cm between the back of your head and the headrest.

Resources

Ontario Chiropractic Association. Accessed Oct. 10, 2013. http://www.yourbackhealth.com/health/understanding-whiplash/