Advanced Spine Institute Blog Understanding Whiplash

Some of the most common back and neck injuries may occur during a motor vehicle accident, such as whiplash. Contrary to popular belief, not all whiplash injuries are due to a motor vehicle accident. A whiplash injury occurs through an acceleration, hyper-extension, hyperflexion of the neck. Athletic injuries and falls could all produce the same type of whiplash injury. The expert back doctors in Houston, Texas treat patients with whiplash injuries on a daily basis. The mechanism for whiplash strains muscles, ligaments, and tendons throughout the cervical spine. The mechanism of injury may also produce tears of the soft tissue as well as bone damage and swelling. Due to the injuries sustained during an accident a patient may feel intense neck and shoulder pain, decreased range of motion, swelling along the spine, decreased strength, and balance problems. Unfortunately not all whiplash injuries occur immediately. The intense muscle guarding and high levels of endorphins may mask pain and instability in the initial stages. Symptoms may occur up to 72 hours after an incident. Whiplash injuries have also been linked to full body pain. Physicians now know whiplash may present as much more than simple neck pain. Patients may be unaware that their whiplash injury is causing arm pain, dizziness, headaches, mid back pain or low back pain. Due to the acceleration type injury, all whiplash injuries should be properly evaluated by a medical professional at Advanced Spine Institute. Bony injuries can be seen on radiological studies during the initial or early stages of injury. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and management for whiplash injuries should be set forth by a licensed and experienced back doctor in Houston, Texas. If treatment begins early, a patient has a better chance of a full recovery with no side effects. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident of any kind, seek out the help of Advanced Spine Institute!The post Understanding Whiplash appeared first on Advanced Spine Institute.