subject: Whiplash and Neck Injuries Overview by:Nemelou Despuez [print this page] Whiplash happens when ligaments, muscles, or tendons in the neck has been injured due to abnormal motion or sudden force which is common in car-related accidents.
Causes of Whiplash
According to government data, the most common cause of whiplash is vehicular accident since it usually involves sudden force and impact that will cause neck strains.
Other common causes of whiplash injury are sports-related accidents, slip and fall, blows to the head caused by a falling object, violent shaking (among babies), assault, and repetitive stress (such as using the neck and shoulder to hold a phone).
Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
Some people reported symptoms few days after the accident; however, some individuals immediately felt the pain in their necks minutes after the injury. According to doctors, the sooner the signs and symptoms of injury appear, the more likely it is to be serious.
Swelling in the neck
Neck pain
Muscle spasm either in the back or the side of the neck
Recurring headache
Difficulty moving the head around
Piercing pain in the neck that travels either to the arm or shoulder
Dizziness
Shoulder pain
Pain in the arm/s
Loss of function, weakness, or tingling in the legs or limbs
Seeking Medical Help
It is ideal to seek medical help immediately after the injury to prevent this from getting worse. Neck injuries are far too serious for self-diagnosis and treatment.
When a person with whiplash symptoms decides to go to hospital, he should wear a neck brace to prevent unnecessary movement that may potentially aggravate the injury.
In serious cases where a person is unable to move around, it is important to call for emergency medical personnel who will take the patient immediately to the emergency department.
Whiplash Self-treatment
(Note: While this treatment can be done at home to reduce the swelling and pain in the neck, patients should still seek medical advice from doctors.)
Put an ice pack on the neck for 20 minutes for every hour the whole day. (Do not put the ice directly on the skin). Continue this ice therapy until the pain stops.
Patients can also take ibuprofen to reduce swelling and acetaminophen for pain relief. When taking these medicines, especially the ibuprofen, people should make sure they have eaten some food. However, doctors usually advice people to avoid this medicine if they have a history of peptic ulcer, duodenitis, gastritis, reflux, and other stomach problems.
Doctor's Treatment Plan
These are the most common treatment plan for those who are suffering from a whiplash injury:
Neck rest (by wearing a brace that prevents unnecessary movements)
Neck massage
Heat therapy
Ice therapy
Medicines to relax the muscles
Neck exercise (This motion exercise, usually combined with heat therapy, is done 72 hours after the injury to strengthen the neck and restore flexibility.)
Avoiding excessive strain in the neck for the first few weeks after the accident to avoid the condition from getting worse.
