Whiplash can be so severe that even the simplest daily task would be impossible for you to do or it can be a mild annoyance that keeps you from turning your head to the side. No matter the intensity of your injury, it should not be left untreated!
Patients generally don’t feel anything right after the collision but that doesn’t mean there is no injury. This is why it’s vital to seek chiropractic care for early diagnosis and treatment. When symptoms materialize though, you may experience:
· Neck and back pain and aching
· Neck stiffness and decreased range of motion
· Shoulder pain and stiffness
· Headaches (most commonly at the base of the skull radiating towards the forehead)
· Jaw pain
· Arm pain and weakness
· Fatigue
· Sensory disturbances, such as pins and needles
Some patients also experience cognitive symptoms of whiplash such as:
· Dizziness
· Ringing in the ears
· Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
· Difficulty concentrating
· Memory problems
· Difficulty sleeping
· Irritability
Different patients show different symptoms depending on the severity of the injury. But since the muscles around the neck have weakened due to the injury, gentle neck exercise and shoulder exercise helps strengthen the muscles and helps with the recovery provided that you consult your doctor about these exercises first. Here are some exercises that you can do while sitting down.
Chin Tucks
· Use correct sitting posture.
· Looking forward, move your head backward so your chin is tucked down. Nothing beneath your head should move.
· Hold the position for 5 seconds.
· Repeat this stretch up to 10 times.
Side-To-Side Head Rotation
· Make sure you are seated with good posture.
· Rotate your chin toward your right shoulder. You may use your hand to gently pull your head deeper into the stretch.
· Hold for 20 seconds.
· Rotate your chin toward your left shoulder. You may use your hand to pull your head deeper into the stretch.
· Hold for 20 seconds.
· Repeat the stretch 3 to 5 times on each side.
Side Bending
· Again, start by being in a proper sitting position.
· Lower your right ear toward your right shoulder. You may use your hand to gently pull your head deeper into the stretch.
· Hold for 20 seconds.
· Lower your left ear toward your left shoulder. You may use your hand to pull your head deeper into the stretch.
· Hold for 20 seconds.
· Repeat 3 to 5 times on each side.
Whiplash will often get better on its own or after simple treatment in a few weeks or month. But once you start experiencing pain that spreads to your shoulders and/or arms; if it becomes painful and difficult to move your head; if you experience numbness, tingling or weakness; or if the pain is severe and interfering with everyday life, seek a chiropractor right away! Chiropractic treatment has been shown to be very effective for spinal injuries. That includes diagnosing and treating many of the injuries that are typically associated with whiplash. Expect your chiropractor to perform a thorough medical history check and physical examination to determine the extent of the injury. He will then use some tools like ultrasound, diathermy, and interferential muscle stimulation and even spinal adjustment as necessary to treat your condition.