Do I Have Whiplash?

What Exactly is whiplash?

Whiplash is the hyperextension of the neck beyond its normal range of motion, causing damage to the muscle, ligaments and connective tissue. Whiplash is produced by a sudden jerking, or backward/forward acceleration of the neck and head. In many cases, whiplash is the result of motor vehicle accidents where the car is struck from behind, causing the occupant’s body to thrust forward and the head to snap back and then forward until the chin strikes the chest.

Symptoms

There are a wide variety of symptoms associated with whiplash. The most common symptom of whiplash injury is neck strain that manifests itself as temporary pain and stiffness. If the whiplash was the result of a car accident, one may not feel significant discomfort until several days after the accident. Other symptoms of whiplash include:

• Blurred vision
• Pain that gradually intensifies, moving to the back of the head, chest muscles, one or both shoulders and the upper arms
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Hoarseness
• Muscle spasms
• Pain turning head side-to-side
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Tender, swollen neck

Can it be treated?

Mild cases of whiplash can resolve themselves within a few days or weeks. At home treatments, like rest and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the discomfort associated with the injury. A cervical collar may also be used to assist in keeping the neck straight and preventing it from bending backwards.

For severe cases of whiplash, especially those where symptoms last longer than three months, spine surgery may be necessary.  The Bonati Spine Procedures can help. Created by Dr. Alfred Bonati to target the main source of the pain and eliminate the symptoms without the need for hardware, the Bonati Spine Procedures have treated thousands of patients. Over 70,000 procedures have been performed at the Bonati Spine Institute with a 98.75% patient reported satisfaction rating.

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