Important Things to Know About Whiplash Injury
This article discusses whiplash injury, a common condition which occurs due to injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash injury (also called neck sprain or neck strain) is a type of neck strain that is caused by injury to the soft tissues of the neck. It is caused when an impact or blow causes the head to jerk forward or backward. Here are some important things you should know about this neck injury. How does whiplash occur? Whiplash or neck strain is usually associated with car accidents when an impact or sudden force stretches and injures the muscles of the neck. Neck strain can also occur in sports, or due to physical abuse, accidental slips or other trauma, which result in sudden head movements. These sudden, extreme movements may push your head beyond their normal range of motion. The sudden backward movement (extension) and forward movement (flexion) can potentially cause the muscles and ligaments of the neck and upper back to be overstretched. The neck is particularly vulnerable to this type of injury because of its ability to move in different directions. What are the symptoms of whiplash? The primary symptom of whiplash is neck pain or upper back pain and stiffness. The symptoms usually develop within 24 hours of injury and can vary widely among individuals. Some people may suffer only minor discomfort, while others experience one or more of the following symptoms – Tightness or spasms of the muscles in the neck or upper back Pain with movement of the neck, headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion) Loss of range of motion in the neck Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back or arms Abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling Fatigue Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, ligaments, discs, cervical muscles and nerve of the neck or upper back. However, most people who suffer the injury recover fully with proper treatment. How is whiplash diagnosed? Your pain management doctor will ask questions about the injury and the type of symptoms. Questions will also be asked about the frequency and severity of symptoms as well as your ability to perform normal routine tasks. As part of the physical examination, your doctor will examine and move your head, neck and arms and ask you to perform move and perform simple tasks.
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This physical examination will help determine the range of motion and tenderness in your neck and shoulders. Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-ray (to rule out any bone fractures), CT scan or MRI scan may be used to find out if there is a herniated disc or any significant ligament injury. Treatment Modalities Generally, mild or moderate cases of whiplash injury are treated at home using medications, a cervical collar (brace), ice or heat application or other remedies. However, symptoms that persist such as difficulty in walking, neck pain, numbness or tingling sensations in the arms or other issues with the bladder or bowels, require medical attention. In most cases, people are encouraged to remain active as active as possible. Pain management in Brooklyn, NYC involves the use of the following modalities to treat whiplash injury: Patients are advised to wear a cervical collar (brace) to temporarily immobilize the neck during the healing process (only if pain cannot be controlled). Ice or heat can be used to control pain and reduce muscle spasm and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen can help control mild to moderate whiplash pain. Epidural steroid injections: Epidural steroid injections, which have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, are administered into the space surrounding the membrane to target the nerve roots. Physical therapy (PT) exercises help to strengthen the muscles that support the neck and promote healing. PT can also improve posture and range of motion. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation are used in the early stages of treatment to ease pain. Chiropractic treatment helps loosen up the joints of the cervical vertebrae in the neck and helps alleviate joint pain, muscle spasms and correct the overall spinal alignment. Severe whiplash injury involving the facet joints or discs can lead symptoms to persist for more than six weeks and may require additional treatment. What can be done to prevent whiplash? As most cases of whiplash occur due to rear-end car collisions, there is not much that can be done to avoid such accidents. However, taking certain precautions can reduce associated risks:
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Proper use of seat belts Driving motor vehicles with airbags Proper adjustment of the car seat headrest to keep the neck from snapping backwards) For athletes and sports enthusiasts – Those who participate in sports (especially contact sports), should wear appropriate equipment to prevent injuries. While it may be impossible to avoid some injuries, staying healthy can help speed recovery. If you suffer whiplash, approach a Brooklyn healthcare center that specializes in neurology and pain management.
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