Understanding Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries which occurs when the neck and head are quite suddenly jerked forward and then immediately backward in a whipping style of motion. This sudden, rapid movement will cause the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and back to stretch and tear in most cases, resulting in a range of painful symptoms to manifest either immediately or over the next few days as your body reels in from the shock of the event. Through better understanding the causes of whiplash, its symptoms, and the recommended recovery strategies; you can have a better idea of what to do if you encounter a scenario where you’ve experienced whiplash.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most commonly associated injuries with rear-end car accidents, but it can also very easily occur within certain sports accidents, physical abuse, or other types of trauma which result in forceful, rapid, hyper-accelerated, back-and-forth movements of the neck. The overall severity of the whiplash may vary, as symptoms could be mild and only last a few days, or they could be severe, leading to chronic pain and possible disabilities.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms of whiplash may appear immediately after the incident, or they could take multiple days to present themselves. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches, typically starting at the base of the skull
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Constant weariness
- Less commonly, symptoms may include issues with concentration and memory, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbances, and irritability
Causes of Whiplash
The primary cause of whiplash is the sudden, forceful distortion of the neck. Some of the most common situations where this can happen consist of the following:
- Vehicle Accidents: Vehicle accidents where there’s a rear-end collision are some of the most frequent causes of whiplash. The sudden impact of the vehicle hitting the stopped vehicle is more than enough to cause a great deal of whiplash recoil, leading to mild to severe amounts of internal damage.
- Physical Sports: Certain contact sports such as football, rugby, or martial arts may sometimes result in cases of whiplash, as the amount of force exerted on the individual mimics that of those involved in vehicular accidents with the neck whiplash recoil response.
- Other Traumas: Any type of strong impact or severe blow which causes the head to jerk forward or backward suddenly has the potential to cause whiplash.
Recovery from Whiplash
Recovering from whiplash will likely take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the injury’s severity. Below are some strategies which can help in the recovery process:
Medical Evaluation
It’s very important to seek out medical attention immediately after an injury, even if symptoms are not present, as there could be underlying injuries which have not presented themselves yet. A qualified healthcare provider will be able to assess the extent of your injuries and recommend the treatment plan protocol you should adhere to.
Pain Management
Pain management can consist of everything from over-the-counter pain medication for mild cases of whiplash, to pain management solutions from a pain management clinic experienced in helping patients with whiplash induced conditions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is usually recommended after you’ve had some time to recover from whiplash. A physical therapist will be able to develop a personalized plan to help you regain strength, stability, flexibility, and normal movement.
Use of Neck Brace or Collar
In some cases, a neck brace or collar may be recommended to support the neck as it heals. However, neck braces or collars are usually only recommended for short-term use, as prolonged use of a neck brace or a collar can end up causing the muscles to weaken over time and delay healing.
Application of Heat or Cold
Applying heat or cold compresses to the neck can help to reduce pain and muscle tension. Ice is used for the first few days to reduce swelling and bruising, then followed with heat to ease muscle tension and pain. Be sure to only apply hot or cold compresses for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
Rest & Activity Modification
While resting for an excessive amount of time can certainly worsen symptoms of whiplash, it is important to adjust your activity regimen to avoid any movement which exacerbate the pain. Returning gradually to your normal activities may take some time, but it’s worth it, as you don’t want to reinjure or worsen your condition.
Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants Today
Through understanding whiplash and its possible impact on your health and wellness, both short-term and long-term, you can have a better concept of how to successfully recover and rebound from your injuries. With the right level of care, most individuals will recover from whiplash within a few weeks. Some individuals may not make a full recovery for several months and could require medical intervention. It truly depends on the severity of the injury. By following a comprehensive treatment plan from a practice such as Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, which could include pain management, physical therapy, and appropriate medical follow-up; you’ll find yourself returning to living life pain-free once again. Schedule an appointment using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical professionals as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.