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Clinical Presentation Whiplash

Signs and Symptoms:

Neck pain and headaches can only be the beginning signs of Whiplash depending on the period of time that has gone by since the injury happened. There is the acute stage which can last up to 4 weeks, subacute stage which lasts from 1 to 3 months and over 3 months is a chronic stage. Also depending on the severity of the trauma there can be additional symptoms or subjective complaints. Dr. Enix has been treating patients with the symptoms of whiplash for over 49 years.

Additional areas of pain that are consistent with findings of whiplash diagnosis are shoulder pain, scapulae pain, back pain, suboccipital headaches, frontal headaches, facial pain, throat pain, numbness in the face, compulsive clearing of the throat, numbness and tingling in the arms or hands, dizziness, and in more severe cases brain bruising (aka post concussion syndrome) where you can have a loss of memory or confusion for days to weeks.

Patient's often present with a feeling of instability or disequilibrium, with a tendency to list to one side. Often depression and feeling of fatigue will set in, and irritability, insomnia are not uncommon. Virtigo the feeling of unsteadiness or a feeling of movement within the head and ataxia or a loss of muscular coordination, as well as disequilibrium or a loss or balance have been reported after a severe motor vehicle collision. If one is suffering from these kinds of symptoms like dizziness or hearing loss these can be caused by a trauma to the brainstem and should be checked out at an emergency room where they have advanced diagnostic equipment like MRI's and Cat Scans.

After you have been cleared by the ER following up with Chiropractic treatment is prudent. If you have not been seen by a medical doctor and need a referral we have a network of Orthopedists, Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, and pain management specialists that we work with. Call Smyrna Injury Center today for an appointment at 770-955-3502.


Aggravating factors that complicate whiplash recovery:

  • Advanced age
  • Disc protrusion or herniations
  • Scoliosis
  • Prior spinal surgeries
  • Osteoporosis
  • Prior spinal injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Facet arthrosis
  • Degenerative disc disease