When most people think of whiplash, they think of car accident injuries. We’ve treated many patients suffering from whiplash, and though we can confirm it is a common auto accident injury, that isn’t the only way you can get it. Whiplash can have serious effects on your health that last for months or even years, which is why it is so important to learn how it can happen to you. Here’s what you need to know about whiplash.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries are hyperextension injuries of the neck, which means that the neck muscles have been pulled or pushed beyond their normal range of motion.
Whiplash typically occurs when the body moves forward, but the head doesn’t keep up. The head then gets snapped forward or backward (or vice versa). When this happens, the muscles and ligaments in the neck are strained which causes pain, stiffness, mobility issues, and headaches.
What Commonly Causes Whiplash?
As we previously mentioned, car accidents are a common cause of whiplash, but not the only way you can get it. Here are some other ways whiplash can happen.
Tripping, slipping, and falling - A slip and fall might not sound so bad, but it can result in serious injuries, including whiplash. Think about the last time you didn’t see that step and you slipped and fell — your neck probably didn’t feel quite right as you got banged around.
Sports - Sports are another common cause of whiplash, especially contact sports like football. But issues relating to whiplash can occur while snowboarding, skiing, cycling, horseback riding, and even diving. Take caution when you participate in these activities to prevent injury, so you can continue to perform at your best.
Dancing - Where are our headbangers out there? You might be overcome with the urge to wail on the air guitar, but even dancing can cause whiplash injuries. If you’re not careful, whiplash can happen with any form of dancing from ballroom to breakdancing.
Theme park rides - We know you thrill-seekers can’t resist a ride on the wildest rollercoaster out there! As fun as rollercoasters can be, they can also be risky for your neck. Anything that moves you around at a high speed can trigger whiplash.
You Have Whiplash — Now What?
Whiplash injuries aren’t the most serious of all cases we’ve treated, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard them either. The symptoms can cause excruciating pain and stiffness. If you think you may be dealing with a whiplash injury, contact us to schedule a consultation. Our chiropractic professionals will create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs so you can get back to great health!
