Overcoming Whiplash Upper Back Pain

Overcoming Whiplash Upper Back Pain

You have very little time to react to the sudden impact on your upper body. Your neck feels pressured, and although you know there’s something wrong, confusion and pain quickly set in.

An abrupt, forceful jerk to your neck can cause lasting pain, stiffness, and limited movement. There are several signs of whiplash. A sudden whipping motion of the head or twisting often causes this type of neck injury.

Neck Pain and Stiffness

Pain and stiffness in the neck are common symptoms of whiplash, whether caused by accidents or sports injuries. Physical injury can last for several months. In most cases, whiplash sufferers experience chronic pain in their upper back and neck.

Limited Range of Motion

One of the most common symptoms of whiplash is limited range of motion. This occurs when the ligaments in the neck are compromised in the vertebrae above and below the shoulder blade experience trauma. It can be caused by a blow to the head, traffic accidents, sports injuries, or other causes.

Whiplash symptoms may not show up immediately after the accident. It can take up to six months for whiplash to show up. The limited range in the neck shows a physical abuse of the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injury

In whiplash injuries, the head is suddenly jerked. An injury like that can result from a car accident, a fall, or any sudden impact that causes the head to bolt backwards and forwards. An upper back injury caused by whiplash is often accompanied by neck pain. It’s difficult to self-diagnose whiplash injury.

Because the symptoms may not show up within a few weeks, people with whiplash may complain of neck stiffness or limited range of motion without realizing the extent of their injuries. Adverse health conditions may include:

• Pain at the base of the skull
• Injury to the cervical spine
• Strain on the muscles leading to the base of the neck
• Limited movement in upper back and neck
• Severe headaches
• Other whiplash associated disorders

How do I know if I have whiplash?

Whether you received the impact from a rear end collision or contact sports, neck injuries can lead to long-term pain. If you are experiencing pain in the upper back, neck, or head, see a medical practitioner. A physician can tell you if you have whiplash.

You might be tempted to seek advice from the Internet or friends and family. Do that after you see a professional. They’ll know what to look for and ask the right questions.

When should I see my doctor?

Don’t wait until the symptoms get worse. Certain type of accidents can lead to very serious medical conditions. If you have symptoms and consider them to be mild, play it safe and visit your primary care physician. They may need to take x-rays to ensure that you aren’t seriously hurt.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

There is no one definitive answer to this question, as whiplash diagnosis can vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and history. However, some general tips that may be helpful include:

1. If any of the following symptoms are clear; severe neck, cervical or thoracic pain, difficulty moving the head or neck, impaired vision in one or both eyes, headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

2. A physical examination – During an examination, the patient is asked to move their head from side to side and up and down. A close examination of their cervical spine for sprain or fracture is also undertaken.

3. Obtain an MRI scan – If there is evidence of ligamentous instability or disc herniation, an MRI scan may be necessary in order to rule out other serious injuries.

4. Perform X-rays – X-rays may help rule out any fractures or other injuries that are not visible on examination. A physician will usually order an x-ray to see the extent of the injury. If the x-ray is normal, the health care provider will ask you about your symptoms.

How is Whiplash Treated?

A professional can help you with the discomfort and other symptoms of whiplash. This type of injury can cause painful, stiffness, and difficulty in moving the head or neck. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If the injury is severe or if it occurs during a vehicular accident, the person may require surgery.

Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed as well as a neck brace applied to help neck brace (also known as a cervical collar) provides support for soft tissue. This helps in the healing process.

Should I see a Medical Doctor or Chiropractor?

The choice of providers is up to you. An orthopedic doctor can evaluate the extent of your injuries. A chiropractor can also work with you to ease stiffness and reduce inflammation. As you progress in your recovery, a physical therapist and assist in the rehabilitation process and getting back to normal daily routines.

What Are Potential Complications of Whiplash?

There are a few key complications of whiplash that you should know.

• Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness.
• Feeling dizzy on a regular basis.
• An ear ringing that comes and goes or is constant.
• Low back or upper back pain.
• Headaches that last for a long time.
• Discomfort in the jaw.
• Hands, arms, or legs that are numb, weak, or have sensory symptoms.

What You Can Do When You Experience Whiplash

Treat the issue seriously and see a doctor as soon as possible. Either heat or cold applied to the neck for 15 minutes every three hours can help you feel better.

Over-the-counter pain medications. Over-the-counter relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), often can control mild-to-moderate whiplash pain.

If the person has a fever, their head or neck is swollen, there’s severe ache when touched on one side of the neck. Sometimes there is difficulty swallowing or speaking, seizures have occurred, coordination problems are present (such as drooping eyelids).

Recovery from Whiplash Injury

Here are some things to do during your recuperation from whiplash. The person will probably experience some distress, stiffness, and soreness in the neck for several weeks after the injury.

Treatment includes rest, ice packs and analgesics (painkillers). Physical therapy may be recommended to help reduce inflammation and improve range of motion. Repeated visits to a chiropractor or physical therapist will help in managing recovery.

The prognosis is good overall but depends on several factors, including how severe the whiplash was, whether any other injuries were incurred in the accident and whether treatment is started immediately following the accident.

Chiropractic Care for Speedy Recovery

Even if you feel fine after a whiplash injury, it’s important to see a chiropractor for treatment. Whiplash injuries can be treated with chiropractic care. Acute (early) treatment with chiropractic adjustments and massages may help to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

More chronic (long-term) care is often needed to help restore function in the neck and upper spine. Chiropractic care is also used to help reduce the risk of developing chronic neck and back ache. Sometimes, chiropractic care may help prevent or reduce the severity of neck and back misery in people who already have it.

Neck Pain and Stiffness Can Persist

Follow up with your doctor if you experience neck pain and stiffness. Continue to apply at home treatments as directed. You may also want to consider a combination of physical therapy and acupuncture to help improve your range.

Physical Therapy to Help Improve Your Neck Pain

It’s possible to improve your neck pain and stiffness with physical therapy. A physical therapist will work with you to improve your flexibility and help you learn how to move your neck and head in ways that are more comfortable.

At Home Treatment During Recovery

Is it Possible to Prevent Whiplash?

Accidents to happen. It’s important to be prepared for situations that can cause whiplash. It’s not possible to prevent whiplash in all situations, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.

Avoid situations that could cause whiplash injury, such as full contact sports. If you’re in a car, be sure to wear your seat belt. Pay attention to your surroundings to avoid falls and other risks.

Get Local Help with Your Whiplash

If you suspect you have whiplash, seek professional help right away. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chance of recovery. Local chiropractors are trained to treat whiplash. Physical therapy can also help improve your neck and back pain.

Take Overcoming Whiplash Seriously

Whiplash injuries can be treated with chiropractic care. Acute (early) treatment with chiropractic adjustments and massages may help to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

More chronic (long-term) care is often needed to help restore function in the neck and upper spine. Chiropractic care is also used to help reduce the risk of developing chronic neck and back pain.

Sometimes, chiropractic care may help prevent or reduce the severity of neck and back distress in people who already have it. Whiplash injury is no joke. Treat this with the seriousness it deserves.