subject: Whiplash Explained [print this page] Whiplash symptoms were once dismissed as being the invention of hypochondriacs. They did not show up on X-rays, and were very difficult to detect. Luckily, nowadays, doctors are much more informed about whiplash, and this common injury is taken seriously.When whiplash sufferers visit their doctors, they will most likely be asked to describe their symptoms, the level of pain they are experiencing and the circumstances of the accident which caused the injury. They will also be given a physical examination to make sure there are no more serious underlying injuries, such as disc damage or fractures.
If a fracture of the neck or back is suspected, an X-ray will be carried out by a specialist to ascertain how serious the injury is. Whiplash symptoms should clear up in a few weeks, but if symptoms persist, an MRI scan or a CT scan may be necessary. An MRI scan uses magnetism to highlight tissues, and will also show up disc hernias and similar disc injuries which can cause ongoing pain. A CT scan will show a 3-D image inside the neck to show up any abnormalities that could require specialist treatment or surgery.
Whiplash treatment
Whiplash treatment depends on the seriousness of the injury, and one persons injuries can be much different from another. A soft collar will stabilise the neck, and a doctor may recommend one is worn for the first week or two following the accident which caused whiplash injury. Depending on the severity of your whiplash injury, however, your GP may advise you to mobilise the neck muscles after the accident, which will help reduce the risk of any lasting damage.
Whiplash symptoms also vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and symptoms can even vary between people who were involved in the same accident. An ice pack may reduce swelling straight after the accident, and should be administered as quickly as possible. This will help loosen the neck muscles and aid recovery. Gentle exercises may also increase strength and movement of the neck muscles, allowing the patient to maintain a healthy posture. This, in turn, will take pressure off the neck tissues and muscles, reducing pain.
Physiotherapy also works for some cases of whiplash and specialist manipulation of the spine can relieve painful symptoms. You may also be advised to seek the help of a chiropractor if symptoms persist, who will manipulate your muscles and bones back into their correct positions. Most likely, your doctor will prescribe pain relievers and muscle relaxants to make the neck more comfortable during the recovery process.
What causes whiplash?
The most common accident which causes whiplash is a rear end shunt in a car. During the collision from behind, passengers in the front car can have their heads thrown quickly backwards then forwards, which causes damage to the muscles and tissues in the neck.The car being hit from behind will momentarily speed up along with the body of the passenger and/or driver. The head and neck try to catch up with the speed of the body, which ultimately causes damage to the head and neck. Rear-end shunts and head-on car crashes account for most whiplash injury. A side-on accident can also cause whiplash injury, where the head is jolted one way then the next.
Head restraints in cars help prevent serious neck injury, although little can be done to prevent whiplash all together if another car hits yours from behind. Whiplash can also occur during sports accidents, particularly contact sports such as rugby.Whiplash injury compensation claims are often successful when it is proven the sufferer was not at fault for the accident, and a personal injury solicitor will help you make a claim for compensation as quickly as possible.
