Heading into the summer holiday season, many of us will be traveling busy roads and highways, creating opportunity for more accidents.  One of the most common injuries from auto accidents is whiplash.  Though also possible in sporting and contact activities, the majority of these injuries are caused by automobile accidents.

Whiplash is caused by damage to the soft tissues in your neck like tendons, muscle and ligaments because of movement beyond your neck’s normal range of motion.  When these tissues are strained, they become inflamed which not only causes moderate to severe pain but also a limitation to your necks range of motion.  Doctor’s may also use terms such as cervical sprain, hyperextension injury, or cervical strain.

Symptoms of Whiplash include but are not limited to:

  • Upper back/Thoracic Pain
  • Head feeling too heavy to hold up.
  • Swelling in the neck area.
  • Tenderness around the neck region.
  • Difficulty moving your neck.
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Shooting pains into your shoulders or back.
  • Muscle spasms (In the neck area)

If ANY of these symptoms become unbearable, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!  If you are involved in an accident, remember that even if you have some of these symptoms, there may be a risk that there could be orthopedic damage meaning that you have skeletal or bone damage, and need to see a surgeon immediately.

If you have been diagnosed with whiplash, Surgical Alternative can aide you in a speedy recovery while working with you to regain your range of motion through our SET bodywork sessions, as well as deep tissue massage and other methods adopted by our organization.  If you have any questions regarding your whiplash, please CONTACT US today to discuss your options!