What Causes Whiplash?

If you’re suffering from whiplash, our team at Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy in Tampa, FL is committed to helping you recover as quickly as possible through natural, lasting methods of healing. 

What Causes Whiplash and How Is It Treated?

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries to the neck – and one of the most painful. You probably know that many people sustain this injury in auto accidents, but how does it happen exactly? Are car accidents the only cause? And how is it treated? Our team at Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy in Tampa, FL answers these questions and more below.

How Does Whiplash Happen?

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the head is forcefully moved, causing the neck to go beyond its normal range. This causes tiny tears in the neck’s soft tissues.

For a clearer understanding, you can imagine a rubber band. A rubber band is designed to withstand a specific amount of force as it is pulled. If you pull it too far, though, or even too often, you’ll notice tiny tears on the sides.

With the rubber band, these tears weaken the object and cause it to snap. With the neck, the tears lead to:

• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and arms
• Tingling in the arms
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness and more

Auto accidents are one of the main ways that whiplash occurs, as the force of a collision easily moves the neck beyond its normal range. However, it’s not the only way to sustain such an injury. Contact sports, falls, and even roller coaster rides can be to blame.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

Whiplash leaves sufferers unable to comfortably move their necks for some time, as the soft tissues are so damaged. The first step in treating the injury is to effectively address the soft tissues. Massage therapy is invaluable in this area, as it reduces tension and inflammation, restores range of motion and promotes the release of endorphins that naturally relieve pain.

Only after you can comfortably move your neck will other methods of treatment be utilized. These methods include addressing any alignment issues, herniated discs, and pinched nerves while relieving any remaining pressure on the soft tissues.

Recover from whiplash safely and naturally with the help of our team at Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy in Tampa, FL. You can schedule an appointment by calling (813) 884-1457.