A whiplash, or a hyperextension injury, describes resulting pain from damaged tissue in the neck. This usually appears from an overly extensive force, causing unprecedented range of motions and a painful road ahead. They most commonly occur in car accidents, roller coaster rides, or physical assault. A car with only 15 miles per hour attains the necessitated energy to produce a whiplash in passengers. Chronic stress pertaining to the neck, such as holding a phone with neck muscles may also aggravate tissues. Whiplashes result not only from trauma to the muscles, but also from overstretching of neck ligaments and tendons. In some cases, the anterior longitudinal ligament in the spine becomes a vulnerable factor as well. The most direct areas are the neck and spine. Other body parts may be targeted through side effects. Patients experience stark neck and back pain, neck stiffness, swelling, irregularity of muscle sensation, headaches, tingling in arms and legs, and shooting pain in shoulders. Symptoms may appear in immediate response to the injury, but are often recognized over several hours.
Treatments recommended by the medical model vary according to the grade of disorder. Muscle relaxants and pain medicine is a bearable method of coping with whiplashes. Prescription drugs are used to prevent further inflammation and cervical collars stabilize damaged tissues. To enhance muscle recovery and reduce tension, physical therapy, range of motion practice, and heat application may alleviate the process. Patients are encouraged to take part in daily activities in order to minimize the healing process.
To further speed the road to recovery, there are ways to help one at home. Ice application to the neck aids pain relief and reduces inflammation. It is recommended to take place for approximately 20 minute periods, every hour, for the first day. Ice should be placed within a cover to avoid direct contact with skin.
The ways of treatment recommended by the medical model are great in reducing the symptoms temporarily, but those same symptoms easily come back a few months to years later if stabilization of the spine is not achieved with chiropractic care. There are chiropractic doctors who specialize in corrective care. Corrective care directly focuses in achieving a lordotic curvature in the cervical spine as well as the other three curves in the spine, which leads to having better leverage, hence allowing for increased strength, balance, and stability.
Dr. Laila Nayab-Murshidi focuses on getting the patient to pre-injury status with the aid of physiotherapy, physical therapy, and light chiropractic care. Once the patient is without pain and has reached pre-injury status, she will make some recommendations to the patient for continued care to achieve spinal stabilization beyond the initial acute phase.
