Frequently whiplash is the result of a car accident, sometimes it can be a fall, or even playing certain sports. It will hurt the first day or so, but if the pain is relieved by over-the-counter medications, you may be tempted to do nothing further. That would be a mistake. The dangers of leaving whiplash injury untreated can last a lifetime.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when your neck is forced backward and forward quickly. Your neck and spine can be stretched abnormally causing a severe strain on your neck and shoulders becoming a chronic problem.
Medically it is known as cervical acceleration deceleration, or a CAD injury. Long term it can affect your neck, back joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
It’s possible you won’t feel much after your whiplash injury. Even if that’s the case, best practice is to make an appointment with Texas Spine Associates for a diagnosis and suggested treatment options. This will prevent the whiplash from interfering with your activities and mobility later.
Expect the following symptoms or complications from your whiplash injury:
Reduced Mobility
This includes movement of your neck, shoulders, and head. It may be painful to look in different directions (to the left or right) without turning your whole body. A spine speiclaist can help you regain mobility by showing you stretches and physical therapy exercises. Without treatment at this early stage you may never regain natural pain-free mobility of that area.
Trouble Sleeping
It won’t take long for you to realize it hurts to rest your head and try to sleep. You may need to purchase a special pillow to relieve the strain. You may also feel “out of alignment” or pain when sitting in some chairs or when driving.
Tension Headaches
This is quite common after a whiplash injury. Ask a spine specialist or a physical therapist to show you how to relieve the tension in your neck and shoulders.
Loss of Balance or Vertigo
80-90% of all cases of whiplash suffer from loss of balance or dizziness. The nerves in our neck help to maintain our equilibrium. Physical or manual therapy can help to restore balance in our inner ear.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Discs between vertebrae of our spinal cord degenerate or break down. This causes weakness, numbness, and pain. This should be treated as soon as it is diagnosed.
Other complications of an untreated whiplash injury include:
- Headaches/migraines
- Depression
- Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
- Tingling in the hands or feet.
Contact Texas Spine Associates at (972) 987-0969 for a customized treatment plan for your specific issues and complications if you suffered a whiplash injury. You can also request an appointment through our secure online form. We have offices throughout the Dallas area including in Arlington, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Granbury, Irving, Southlake, and Weatherford.