Understanding Whiplash And How It Can Get Better
Whiplash is the name given to the injury that results when the neck is jerked abruptly in one direction. This can occur due to a sudden trauma, in most cases a motor vehicle collision. Damage to the ligaments and tendons in the neck leads to characteristic stiffness and pain.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
There are also other symptoms a patient may experience, although these are fairly uncommon. Some may suffer from lower back pain, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, vertigo, and a numb or tingling feeling in the hands and arms. Even fewer patients may also complain of problems with memory, concentration, and mood swings. If present, these types of symptoms should not last long, if they do, one must consult a physician.
Automobile accidents are by far the most common cause of this condition, but it can also happen due to other traumatic events. If a person slips and falls, hitting his or her head, such as down a flight of stairs, or is injured in a contact sport such as boxing, football, or hockey, or is hit across the head in a violent act like a mugging, it may cause this type of injury.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
More often than not, this condition will be "self-limiting", that is, it will naturally heal itself over time with very little medical intervention. Pain can usually be managed with over the counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol, and if necessary, codeine can be prescribed. If the pain persists longer than six months, it will be treated as a chronic condition.
Even though movement is bound to be painful at first, patients are urged to keep the neck mobile as much as they can after the injury. The use of a neck brace is discouraged as this keeps it rigid. Recovery will be faster if the patient practices some gentle stretching exercises that will help restore the neck's normal range of motion. Yoga can be an effective healing tool.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
There are also other symptoms a patient may experience, although these are fairly uncommon. Some may suffer from lower back pain, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, vertigo, and a numb or tingling feeling in the hands and arms. Even fewer patients may also complain of problems with memory, concentration, and mood swings. If present, these types of symptoms should not last long, if they do, one must consult a physician.
Automobile accidents are by far the most common cause of this condition, but it can also happen due to other traumatic events. If a person slips and falls, hitting his or her head, such as down a flight of stairs, or is injured in a contact sport such as boxing, football, or hockey, or is hit across the head in a violent act like a mugging, it may cause this type of injury.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
More often than not, this condition will be "self-limiting", that is, it will naturally heal itself over time with very little medical intervention. Pain can usually be managed with over the counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol, and if necessary, codeine can be prescribed. If the pain persists longer than six months, it will be treated as a chronic condition.
Even though movement is bound to be painful at first, patients are urged to keep the neck mobile as much as they can after the injury. The use of a neck brace is discouraged as this keeps it rigid. Recovery will be faster if the patient practices some gentle stretching exercises that will help restore the neck's normal range of motion. Yoga can be an effective healing tool.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
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