Whiplash injuries normally refer to a neck or a back injury that occurs due to rapid and jerky movements of the neck. Common causes include rear-end motor vehicle collisions, sports injuries and shaken baby syndrome. Any sudden movement forward and backward can cause damage to muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck and the lower back too. Exercising on a rowing machine could exacerbate a whiplash injury.
Whiplash Symptoms
Symptoms of a whiplash injury can occur immediately after the incident, but may appear days or weeks later. Some of the common symptoms include stiffness in the neck or spine, dizziness, tiredness, dull ache and sensory disturbance. You might also experience difficulty in swallowing, shoulder pain, nausea, vertigo, tinnitus, numbness in the extremities and irritability. Symptoms that show up immediately after an accident may indicate a higher degree of damage.
Tests
If you experience symptoms of a whiplash injury, don't initiate or resume any form of exercise without first consulting a physician. Your doctor may order an X-ray as the first step toward diagnosis. Additional tests include measuring the strength in your arms and legs, testing your arm and leg reflexes and examining your neck, head and spine area for any signs of possible damage. Your doctor may also check your sensitivity to touch.
Lower-Back Pain
If you've been in an auto accident or sustained an injury involving your neck, head or back, the fact that whiplash injuries don't always immediately reveal themselves may lead you to think it's OK to continue your normal exercise routine, including rowing machine exercises. Because medical tests can show whiplash injuries before pain becomes present, early detection could help you prevent further injury. A doctor can show you exercises that will help you heal from a whiplash injury as well as exercises to avoid. Although self-inspection should not substitute for medical care, another clue to a whiplash injury is lower back pain. Lower-back pain exists among 60 percent of whiplash victims.
Exercise And Recovery
Your rate of recovery from a whiplash injury depends largely on your age and the severity of your injury. You will heal faster if you remain active and pursue most of your everyday activities. Correct posture during exercise aids your recovery. If you lift weights, lower back support is essential. Avoid any exercise, including rowing machine routines, that put stress on your neck and back. During recovery, it will also help to push rather than pull heavy objects.
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