Understanding Whiplash
The structure of your neck is made from seven bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between each level. Your neck is relatively flexible, so it relies on the muscles and ligaments to support itself when under pressure or tension. If these tissues stretch too far beyond their capacity, you can suffer "whiplash."
Causes of Whiplash
The leading cause of whiplash is car accidents.
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident that results in a car collision, then there is a decent chance your neck will suffer whiplash. In fact up to 83% of people involved experience some form of injury as they make contact with the headrest or steering wheel first.
The extent and severity can vary depending on several factors including whether it was from behind, if speed at impact was faster than 30mph (in which case any amount above 10 mph increases probability), age/health status etc.
When you are struck by a larger vehicle, your risk of injury goes up because bumpers don't do much to protect the occupants. Most modern cars have shock-absorbing bumpers that minimize damage but not protection against injuries at low speeds. Rear end collisions can cause significant symptoms even when less than 5 mph.
Being hit by a bigger car makes it more likely for there to be an injury and this is due simply to the bumper on most newer vehicles.
Other Factors
While growing older, our tissues become less elastic and it becomes harder to recover from injury. Females are on average more likely than males to be injured in a whiplash incident.
People who have pre-existing arthritis or other health conditions such as obesity are also more at risk of developing injuries after an accident involving the neck area which may cause pain for extended periods of time without proper treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of whiplash initially include neck soreness that fades quickly. Ongoing complaints about whiplash often include dull pain in the back of the neck which becomes sharper when you move your head, and can spread to shoulders or between shoulder blades.
Tension headaches will regularly accompany neck injuries. Dizziness and TMJ problems are possible, but symptoms can also increase slowly over time. Rest may relieve your pain for a period of time, but it often leads to stiffness as well so be sure to inform us if you have any signs of an injury including: severe or "different" headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, change in vision, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling arms, face weakness, clumsiness etc.
Sprains & Strains
A sprain/strain injury replaces your normal and highly elastic tissue with less-elastic "scar tissue," which can lead to pain, arthritis or other issues. If you have neck problems after an accident, it's best for everyone involved if they get treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment for Whiplash
The pain you are experiencing after your injury is a normal reaction to the damage done. You should try going about "normal daily activities as your body allows," and understand that this will likely delay recovery if taken too far.
To relieve the pain of a stiff, sore neck associated with whiplash injury or other cervical sprain and strain, you should avoid wearing heavy headgear since it will increase your discomfort. Instead use ice for 10-15 minutes every hour to help ease some of the stiffness that comes from this injury.
If possible talk to your doctor about using heat because they may have their own specific recommendations on whether you can try heating up first before doing anything else like applying cold packs repeatedly throughout an episode.
You might also find success in sports creams.
Had a great consultation followed by my first hr session. Very positive, friendly and informative. Hope to carry onDavid Hemingway13/02/2024
I don’t know what I’d do without my monthly appointment. My movement vastly improved and there has been a reduction in persistent when I discovered this clinic.Janet13/02/2024
After being diagnosed with BPPV Vertigo I was really suffering and after not really making any progress with the Betahistine prescribed by the Doctor at the Royal Stoke I decided to see Dr Finn, who has previously resolved other muscular and skeletal injuries for myself and my family. With BPPV Vertigo being an issue with the inner ear I wasn’t sure if this was something he could resolve promptly ? The clinic fitted me in really quickly and after just two short visits my BPPV was fully resolved. After spending so much time on 111 and at the hospital I was relieved at how swiftly and efficiently Dr Finn resolved my BPPV, which was really bad. I can fully recommend this clinic for this and other treatments in a professional and effective manner. 10/10Greg Methven11/02/2024
First class service from Rob and teamStephen Banks06/02/2024
My wife was suddenly in real pain around her hip area and upon making a phone call to Newcastle Chiropractic was given an immediate appointment. With a total of no more than 20 minutes she was feeling a lot less pain and doing gentle walking as recommended by Rob. She’s very grateful with a lot less pain and feeling mobile again.Richard Moth06/02/2024
The staff members handle their clients professionally.John Nyansera25/01/2024
I first started seeing Rob in 1998 when he took over from Jane Hvas at the Brampton Clinic. I have now been a patient of Robs for 25 years. I don't know what I would have done without the treatment and support I have re eived from him. He's simply the best.Linda Machin24/01/2024
Dott. Burcu Cetinkaya is the best chiropractor I've ever been treated by, and I've had many. Since the first visit at the clinic I've been examinated and listened very carefully about my problems and I've been given a personalised plan of treatment and exercises straight away. I've been checked vertebra by vertebra and rettified my posture, basically if there is a problem she will find out and I've never been so happy with my back, my problems they're gone and my posture is the best ever. I can't thank dott. Burcu enough even if an emergency occurred she has been always available and makes me feel safe. Not the last the ladies on reception are the kindest ever. The clinic service is a 5 star ???? all round. Thank you ???? ???? ????????Francesco Alfano20/01/2024
Should have come to Newcastle chiropractic a year ago save wasting a year trying get sorted with the NHS, Came to Newcastle Chiropractic and was met by friendly staff and Dr Burcu who couldn’t help enough, don’t know where I would have been with out the help I have received from Dr Burcu. Excellent practice 11/10 all day.Paul Proffitt16/01/2024