Have you been dizzy with a stiff neck after being involved in a collision in which your vehicle was rear-ended? The symptoms that you are experiencing are possibly due to a condition that is known as whiplash. It is possible that going through physical therapy is the only type of treatment that you need to get rid of your whiplash symptoms, but it depends on the severity of the condition. Take a look at this article to gain more insight on what whiplash is all about.

What Exactly is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a condition that occurs when your neck moves backwards and forward in an unnatural way. When your vehicle was suddenly struck from behind, it possibly causes injuries to your cervical spine. Keep in mind that there are several parts that make up the cervical spine, such as muscles, joints, discs and ligaments. It is possible that only one area of the cervical spine was injured during the collision, but a severe case of whiplash can include damage to multiple areas.

What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

One of the most common symptoms of whiplash is a headache that does not seem to go away. You might also experience problems with your vision being abnormally blurry. Being that whiplash involves an injury to your spinal cord, it is possible for you to experience pain in the upper or lower area of your back. Other than the stiffness in your neck, there might be stiffness in your arms and shoulders. The extent of your symptoms basically depends on how much your neck moved from the impact of the other vehicle.

What Will a Physical Therapist Do Before Whiplash is Treated?

A physical therapist will have to determine how whiplash affected your body before he or she can provide treatment. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, such as when you first noticed them and how severe they are. The therapist will also examine your neck to determine the condition of the joints and muscles. You might also undergo a test that can tell the therapist how well your nerves are functioning, such as by checking your reflexes. An x-ray is likely to be administered if you have not already had one performed by a physician.

How Can a Physical Therapist Treat Whiplash Symptoms?

You will likely be treated by first wearing a cervical collar that can limit neck movement for a day or so, as it can help with reducing inflammation. The therapist will then treat the problematic areas based on your symptoms. You might receive a massage to get rid of muscle spasms in your back, neck, arms and shoulders. Be aware that more than one session with the therapist might be necessary. Make an appointment to start undergoing physical therapy for your whiplash symptoms as soon as you can. Contact a business, such as Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, for more information.