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Whiplash
| Whiplash
Definition |
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Whiplash
is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from
a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type
of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck
beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash often occurs when
a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind.
Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to
be thrown forward - including passengers. A seat belt will keep
a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may
snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the
neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by
roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries,
or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks
of shaken baby syndrome). |
Symptoms
Often, you feel pain and stiffness in your neck for the
first few days following a whiplash injury. Then, you feel better,
but the pain and stiffness may come back several days later.
The discomfort you feel may involve surrounding muscle groups
in your head, chest, shoulders, and arms. |
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Neck
pain and / or stiffness |
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Blurred
vision |
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Difficulty
swallowing |
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Irritability
and fatigue |
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Dizziness
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Pain between
the shoulder blades |
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Pain in
the arms or legs, feet and hands |
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Nausea,
ringing in the ears |
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Vertigo |
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Numbness
& tingling pain in the jaw or face |
Treatment
Chiropractic care works on correcting complications and relieving
pain associated with whiplash injuries. To see if chiropractic may
be able to help you call (253) 638-2424 or make
an appointment on-line today for a complimentary consultation
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