Whiplash Injury

Whiplash injury is not limited to the cervical spine alone. During the impact, the muscles surrounding the scapula (trapezius and levator scapulae) are also damaged, leading to accompanying shoulder stiffness. Additionally, if damaged nerve roots or tense scalene muscles irritate the nerves leading to the arm, arm numbness occurs. Muscle tension and joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can lead to tension around the turn joints and inner ear, causing tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, and dizziness; this is referred to as cervical tinnitus. However, if arm numbness progressively worsens or is accompanied by muscle weakness, a precise examination is necessary to differentiate nerve root compression. From the perspective of Korean medicine, these symptoms are not scattered, separate diseases but rather a single meridian diagram. If the flow of meridians along the back and outer arms—connecting the neck, shoulders, and arms—is blocked by stagnant blood caused by trauma, stiffness and numbness manifest along that path; conversely, if the qi and blood in the lateral meridians surrounding the ears become stagnant, tinnitus develops. Since the ears are connected to the kidneys, if kidney energy is depleted due to chronic damage, the tinnitus becomes difficult to treat. At Dongjedang, we focus on the neck while identifying blocked points throughout the entire meridian system using palpation and ultrasound. We then implement a stepwise external treatment routine consisting of acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and moxibustion as a single flow. Internally, we clear out stagnant blood and waste products while reinforcing the liver and kidneys with herbal medicine tailored to the body's condition. Since various symptoms are handled in one place, you can reduce the burden of visiting multiple medical departments.