Whiplash is injury to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head, backward, forward or sideways.

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine and head can be overstretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can get stretched and irritated. Even though the car may have received little damage, occupants can suffer serious spinal injury.

The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissue can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months later.

The chiropractic approach is to use specific chiropractic adjustments to help return spinal function. After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.

Whiplash is a completely different source of neck pain.  Whiplash injuries are most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind or that collides with another object.  When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine and head can be overstretched or torn.  Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion.  This commonly results in a loss of the normal forward curve in your neck.  While the occupants can suffer considerable soft tissue injury, the car may be only slightly damaged.  Furthermore, as the body attempts to adapt to the injury, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months after the accident.

The chiropractic approach to whiplash injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustments and certain physiotherapies to help return spinal function and promote healing in the soft tissues.  After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones.  If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.