We love dogs. And we love the dog park. Aside from an occasional canine kerfluffle, the dog park is most always a joyous place. We do know of one neighbor though who was bowled over by a couple rowdy dogs and suffered whiplash. Whiplash is usually associated with car crashes, but it can also occur in some other surprising ways.
How it happens
Whiplash is a type of injury to the neck that is caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head. It is most commonly caused by a rear-end car accident, but it can also be caused by falls, sports injuries, or other types of trauma.
The symptoms of whiplash can vary from person to person, but they often include neck pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. In some cases, whiplash can also lead to more serious complications, such as nerve damage or spinal cord injuries.
Most people with whiplash recover within a few weeks, but it can take some people several months or even longer to fully recover.
Symptoms of whiplash
If you experience any of the following symptoms after an injury, you may have whiplash. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Whiplash can be a serious injury, and it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent long-term problems.
Neck pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue
Ringing in the ears, blurred vision
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
Difficulty swallowing, speaking
Stiffness in the neck, limited range of motion in the neck
Common causes of whiplash
Auto accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash. This is because the force of the impact can cause the head to move back and forth suddenly, which can injure the neck.
Falls. If you fall and land on your head or neck, you can also get whiplash.
Sports injuries. Contact sports, such as football and hockey, can put you at risk for whiplash. This is because the force of a tackle or collision can cause the head to move back and forth suddenly.
Physical abuse. If you are hit or shaken, you can also get whiplash.
Other trauma. Whiplash can also be caused by other types of trauma, such as a fall from a horse or a motor vehicle accident.
Here are some uncommon causes of whiplash
Yoga. While yoga is generally safe, it can sometimes lead to whiplash. This is because some yoga poses can put a lot of strain on the neck.
Hanging upside down. This can also put a lot of strain on the neck and lead to whiplash.
Scuba diving. The sudden change in pressure when you ascend from a dive can cause the neck to move back and forth suddenly, which can lead to whiplash.
Pregnancy. The hormones that are released during pregnancy can make the ligaments in the neck looser, which can make it more likely to get whiplash.
How chiropractic can help
Chiropractic treatment is a popular option for people with whiplash. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can be an effective way to relieve pain and improve range of motion in people with whiplash.
In one study, people with whiplash who received chiropractic adjustments experienced significant improvement in pain, range of motion, and quality of life. The study also found that chiropractic adjustments were safe and well-tolerated.
Another study found that chiropractic adjustments were more effective than physical therapy in relieving pain and improving range of motion in people with whiplash.
“Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and speed up recovery from whiplash.”