An auto accident can result in low back pain or the neck injury termed whiplash. Whiplash is a traumatic neck injury caused by an excessive snapping movement – forward and backward – of the head. Ligament damage, pinched nerves, muscle tearing, spasm and spinal misalignment are the usual results of whiplash. Even a low-speed impact in an auto accident can cause serious whiplash and should be taken very seriously.
Whiplash symptoms usually occur instantly but can take days, or even weeks, to develop. Neck pain is the most common whiplash symptom, along with headache (dull to severe), muscle spasm and shoulder pain (burning), dizziness, ringing in the ears, arm pain and tingling, and disorientation. The constant barrage of symptoms can make whiplash a debilitating problem. One of the problems associated with whiplash is a misalignment of the vertebrae of the neck, usually due to ligament or disc damage. If left untreated, these vertebrae will remain misaligned, causing chronic neck or back problems in the future, including loss of range of motion, chronic headaches and potential arthritic changes.
At Capstone Physical Therapy, we will complete a thorough initial evaluation to assess strength, mobility limitations, special tests to determine neurological involvement, and specific spinal mobility. We will work with you to develop your individual treatment plan including pain control modalities, stretches, exercise, manual techniques and soft tissue mobilization and progressing to an independent home exercise program.