What Is Whiplash?

A sudden jolt to the neck is a common cause of whiplash

. As the head snaps forward and quickly backwards again, for example in a rapidly halting car, the delicate tendons and ligaments in the neck are stretched and suffer trauma.

Sports injuries sometimes inflict whiplash trauma, for example skiing, horse riding and diving are all high risk activities. Sports like martial arts are likely to cause trauma through blows to the head in activities like boxing, and through falls in sports such as taekwondo which cause the head to whip aggressively backwards. Women are thought to be more predisposed to neck injuries due to their softer muscle. Bashes in vehicles are, however, by far the most likely activity to result in whiplash. Motor insurance claims are predominantly cases involving trauma to the neck in which the vehicle has been shunted from the rear by another vehicle.

Temporary symptoms will manifest themselves 12 to 24 hours after the impact or blow. Stiffness, restricted movement of the neck, headaches, pins and needles, and pain to the neck, back and shoulder are typical symptoms that should alleviate quickly. It is only in extremely unusual cases where full movement will not be restored, with some people left suffering severe and long-lasting disability several months after the accident.

Symptoms usually disappear within days. According to the NHS (National Health Service), in approximately 60% of cases symptoms clear up completely within one to four weeks. Some people can still have symptoms several months after the injury occurred or suffer a severe and lasting disability, though this is uncommon.

Alleviating pain and stiffness is all that is usually required when treating whiplash. Patients can be prescribed Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs. Once the pain has been treated, medical staff will pay attention to any damage that has been inflicted to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck and back. Immobilisation or the use of a neck collar is no longer advised. Instead patients should exercise the neck and keep active to support healing.

by: Katie Clayton

POST COMMENT

A Survey Suggests....90% Do Not Have A Will All About Fountainhead Essay Contest The Bedroom A Forgotten Room Increasing Demand Of Packers And Movers Mumbai The Signs And Causes Of Paranoid Schizophrenia Are Not Always Easy To Identify Discover The Magnificence Of Classic Engagement Rings Portray Your Construction Plan Smartly Remove Dark Circles Under The Eyes And Natural Cure Of Dark Circles Portable Carports Are Multifunctional How Much Is A Glass Extension Sunroom And Why Do They Outshine Conservatories? Classic And Creative Vampire Costume Ideas Saint Nicholas Limo Rental Auburn And When To Make Your Appointment