What Causes Whiplash?
Anytime your head jerks backward or forward, the impact can strain your sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles.
Located on each side of your neck, those are what you use to tilt your head or turn from side to side. A sudden movement might stretch or tear the muscles or tendons, resulting in what's commonly known as whiplash but may also be called a hyperextension injury, cervical strain or sprain, or acceleration-flexion neck injury.
What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
- Tightness, stiffness and soreness in your neck
- Swelling, bruising, redness and/or tenderness
- Dizziness and pain when moving your head
- Headache, ringing in the ears, blurry eyesight
Add those up and you may have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or carrying out everyday activities. It's hard enough dealing with pain and fatigue in the first place, and the stress caused by such problems can make you feel even worse.
Massage Techniques May Help for Whiplash Injury
According to WebMD, massage may help.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle technique known to provide relief for headaches and neck injuries. Trigger Point Massage can often decrease pain after just one session. More focused Deep Muscle Therapy is effective for persistent neck and back pain.
See how scheduleing a massage near you at a Massage Envy franchise location can benefit you in fighting the effects of whiplash.
