Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, strong back-and-forth movement of the neck, similar to the cracking of a whip.
Whiplash is frequently induced by rear-end collisions. However, whiplash can also be caused by sports injuries, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma, such as a fall. Whiplash is also known as a neck sprain or strain, however these phrases also refer to other forms of neck injuries.
Most whiplash patients recover in a few weeks by following a treatment regimen that combines pain medication and exercise. Some patients, however, experience persistent neck discomfort and other long-term problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH?
Whiplash symptoms often appear within days of the injury and may include:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Shoulder, upper back, or arm tenderness or discomfort
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Pain worsens with neck movement
- Neck range of motion impairment
- Headaches that usually begin near the base of the skull
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Some individuals also have:
- Vision impairment
- Intense ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Disruptions in sleep
- Irritability
- Concentration problems
- Memory issues
- Depression
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF WHIPLASH?
Whiplash usually happens when your head is violently flung backward and then forward. This motion can harm the spine's bones, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other neck tissues.
A whiplash injury can occur as a result of:
- Car crashes: Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end crashes.
- Assault or physical abuse: Whiplash can develop as a result of being hit or shaken. One of the injuries found in shaken baby syndrome is this.
- Sports involving physical contact: Football tackles and other sports-related incidents can occasionally result in whiplash.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF WHIPLASH?
Most whiplash victims recover within a few weeks and appear to have no long-term repercussions from the injury. However, some patients continue to have discomfort months or years after the injury.
It is impossible to anticipate how each person suffering from whiplash would heal. In general, you are more likely to experience chronic pain if your first symptoms were severe, began quickly, and included:
- Severe neck pain
- A more constrained range of motion
- Spreading pain to the arms
The following risk factors have been associated with a poor outcome:
- Having already experienced whiplash
- Older age
- Existing neck or low back discomfort
- A fast-moving injury
HOW IS WHIPLASH DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will inquire about the incident and your symptoms. You may also be given questions to assist your doctor determine how severe your symptoms are and how frequently they occur. Your doctor will also want to know how well you can carry out your daily duties.
Examination
Your doctor will need to touch and move your head, neck, and arms throughout the exam. Your doctor will ask you to walk and execute easy tasks so that he or she can check the:
- Neck and shoulder range of motion
- Painful degree of motion or an increase in pain
- Pain in your neck, shoulders, or back
- Limbs' reflexes, strength, and sensitivity
Imaging tests
Imaging examinations do not reveal a whiplash injury. However, your doctor will almost certainly prescribe one or more imaging tests to rule out other problems that might be exacerbating your neck discomfort. Imaging tests include the following:
- X-rays: X-rays of the neck obtained from various angles can detect fractures, dislocations, or arthritis.
- Computerized tomography (CT): This form of X-ray may create cross-sectional pictures of bone and identify potential bone deterioration.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging test generates detailed 3D pictures using radio waves and a magnetic field. In addition to bone fractures, MRI scans can identify soft tissue injuries such as spinal cord, disk, or ligament injury.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR WHIPLASH?
The following are the aims of whiplash treatment:
- Pain management
- Restore your neck's normal range of motion.
- Return you to your regular activities.
Your treatment approach will be determined by the severity of your whiplash injury. Some folks require merely over-the-counter medications and home care. Others may require medication, specialist pain management, or physical therapy.
Management of Pain
To alleviate pain, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:
- Rest: Rest may be beneficial for a day or two after an accident, but excessive bed rest may postpone healing.
- Heat or cold: You can feel better by applying heat or ice to your neck for 15 minutes every three hours or so.
- Over-the-counter pain medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, among others) are commonly used to treat mild to moderate whiplash pain.
- Prescription medications: People suffering from severe pain may be given antidepressant medications that have been found to alleviate nerve pain.
- Muscle relaxants: Short-term usage of these medications may be advised to release tight muscles and relieve discomfort. The medication might also make you drowsy. If discomfort stops you from having a good night's sleep, it may be taken to assist restore normal sleep.
- Injections: An injection of lidocaine (Xylocaine), a numbing drug, into sore muscle regions may be used to alleviate discomfort and allow you to participate in physical therapy.
Exercise
Your doctor will most likely advise you to perform a series of stretching and mobility exercises at home. These exercises might help you regain range of motion in your neck and resume your daily activities. Applying moist heat to the hurting area or having a warm shower before activity may be advised.
Exercises might include:
- Neck rotation in both directions
- Shifting your head from side to side
- Bringing your neck closer to your chest
- Rolling your shoulders
Physical therapy
If you are experiencing ongoing whiplash discomfort or require assistance with range-of-motion exercises, your doctor may advise you to consult a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help you feel better while also potentially preventing additional damage. Your physical therapist will lead you through exercises that will help you strengthen your muscles, correct your posture, and regain normal movement.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may be utilized in some instances. TENS delivers a low-level electric current to the skin. According to preliminary study, this therapy may temporarily relieve neck discomfort and enhance muscular strength.
The amount of physical therapy sessions required may vary depending on the individual. Your physical therapist can also design a specific home workout program for you.
Foam collars
Soft foam cervical collars were historically routinely used to keep the neck and head motionless after a whiplash injury. Keeping the neck immobile for lengthy periods of time, on the other hand, has been proven in tests to reduce muscular strength and impede with recovery.
Still, using a collar to limit mobility may assist minimize discomfort and let you sleep the night after your accident. However, recommendations for utilizing a collar differ. Some experts recommend restricting use to 72 hours, while others claim it may be worn for up to three hours every day for a few weeks. Your doctor may advise you on how to use the collar effectively and for how long.
Alternative medicine
Nontraditional therapy for whiplash pain have been tested, but evidence on how well they perform is scarce. Some examples are:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is performed by inserting ultrafine needles into specified parts of your skin. It might provide some relief from neck ache.
- Chiropractic care: Chiropractors use joint manipulation procedures. When combined with exercise or physical therapy, there is some evidence that chiropractic treatment may give pain relief. Spinal manipulation can result in mild concerns such as numbness or dizziness, as well as damage to spinal structures in rare cases.
- Massage: Neck massage may give temporary relief from whiplash-related neck discomfort.
- Mind-body therapies: Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga are examples of exercises that involve soft motions with an emphasis on breathing and awareness.