Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are thrown or snapped back and forth very quickly. Whiplash results in neck injury because the "extreme" backward and forward motions push a person’s neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents but the injury can be sustained in many other ways. In addition to the disc and other soft tissue damage, whiplash can often cause the spinal column to unalign causing irritation, stretching, or impingement to the nerves and spinal chord. About 20 million people in the United States have suffered from whiplash damage.If you have suffered whiplash then you have experienced a sudden distortion of the neck. Recent research suggests whiplash needs to be more thought of as a whole body disorder. Chiropractic care facilities assist whiplash suffers on a regular basis. Most patients who have suffered neck trauma will need x-rays to examine the posture of their spine. X-rays taken in motion may also be required in order to test the stability of your ligaments and to determine precise levels of impaired movements. Without this road map, it is difficult to determine how care should be directed. The smallest factors could influence your long-term prognosis, such as degeneration. If you suspect you have whiplash visit a qualified local chiropractor.For more information on Whiplash read our article titled "Is There A Proven Effective Treatment For Whiplash?"
