Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are injuries to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward. The movement to the body in that split-second may cause long-term damage. The weight of the body resists the impact and remains essentially motionless but the weight of the head atop the highly mobile neck snaps forward placing severe strain on the delicate mechanisms of the neck and upper spine. In the case of whiplash, the doctor will make a thorough examination, including the use of x-rays and clinical laboratory tests. Following evaluation, they will make the necessary delicate spinal adjustments to correct any misalignment of vertebrae, also alleviating pinching of nerves or constriction of blood supply to the body.