Whip Lash

Unfortunately during the winter season crashes happen. You could be on the hill or in your car, regardless where you are take all precautions to stay safe. That being said accidents can occur at any time. 

Let's talk whip lash.

What is it?

Whip lash is when your head suddenly moves in a forward or backwards direction followed by a snapping ( or whipping ) back in the opposite direction pushing your neck muscles beyond their normal range of motion. 

In short your muscles all aroun your neck are strained ( see sprains and strains ) causin pain across the front and back of our neck.

The first thing to do when you have whip lash is follow these four steps :

Rest - relax

Ice - see cold hydrotherapy blog

Compression - light massage

Elevation - keep your head up

Symptoms of whip lash :

Dizziness

Neck pain and stiffness 

Headaches

Fatigue

Jaw pain

Arm pain and weakness

Ringing in the ear

Back pain

Many whip lash victims won't feel any symptoms till 24 to 48 hours after the initial incident. Once symptoms do occur they should only take a few days to subside. Seeing your local physician is always recommended regardless of the severity. 

Nathaniel Porter-Gowan,RMT