When the neck is violently jolted in one direction, it results in an injury leading to significant stiffness and pain. This is called whiplash, and it is normally the result of an abrupt trauma, most often a car accident. Damage to the tendons and ligaments in the neck occurs from the sprain, which is responsible for the rigidity and discomfort.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
Occasionally a patient may also experience some symptoms which is less common including vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, lower back pain, and a tingling or numb sensation in the arms or hands. Some will even be affected by mood swings, and impaired memory and concentration, but these symptoms are even less common. If any of these symptoms manifest, they will not normally last long, if they do however, it's important to contact one's doctor.
Automobile accidents are by far the most common cause of this condition, but it can also happen due to other traumatic events. If a person slips and falls, hitting his or her head, such as down a flight of stairs, or is injured in a contact sport such as boxing, football, or hockey, or is hit across the head in a violent act like a mugging, it may cause this type of injury.
Most physicians will diagnose the condition based on the patient's description of the his or her symptoms, and by simply performing a physical examination of the neck. The more details concerning the accident and nature of the pain that the patient can provide the doctor with, the better. If indicated, the patient may need to have an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray taken as well.
Generally speaking, this condition is one which is largely "self-limiting", this means that it usually improves over time on its own, with minimal intervention. The patient can take over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, and if it is severe, the physician may write a prescription for codeine. Pain that does not subside in less than six months, although rare, is considered chronic.
Mobility of the neck plays a big role in effective recovery from this injury. A neck brace should not be used in this case, since it keeps the neck immobilized, instead patients are encouraged to practice gentle stretching exercises for the neck daily. Movement helps to return the neck's range of motion to normal. Yoga is one approach that can be quite helpful.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature of the accident and from which direction the neck experienced the force. Patients usually report a painful, stiff neck which makes movement difficult, headaches, muscle spasms, and sometimes pain that is referred into the back, shoulders, or arms. At first the patient may not notice the pain, as it may take 6-12 hours to set in, and it will likely get worse over the days that follow.
Occasionally a patient may also experience some symptoms which is less common including vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, lower back pain, and a tingling or numb sensation in the arms or hands. Some will even be affected by mood swings, and impaired memory and concentration, but these symptoms are even less common. If any of these symptoms manifest, they will not normally last long, if they do however, it's important to contact one's doctor.
Automobile accidents are by far the most common cause of this condition, but it can also happen due to other traumatic events. If a person slips and falls, hitting his or her head, such as down a flight of stairs, or is injured in a contact sport such as boxing, football, or hockey, or is hit across the head in a violent act like a mugging, it may cause this type of injury.
Most physicians will diagnose the condition based on the patient's description of the his or her symptoms, and by simply performing a physical examination of the neck. The more details concerning the accident and nature of the pain that the patient can provide the doctor with, the better. If indicated, the patient may need to have an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray taken as well.
Generally speaking, this condition is one which is largely "self-limiting", this means that it usually improves over time on its own, with minimal intervention. The patient can take over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, and if it is severe, the physician may write a prescription for codeine. Pain that does not subside in less than six months, although rare, is considered chronic.
Mobility of the neck plays a big role in effective recovery from this injury. A neck brace should not be used in this case, since it keeps the neck immobilized, instead patients are encouraged to practice gentle stretching exercises for the neck daily. Movement helps to return the neck's range of motion to normal. Yoga is one approach that can be quite helpful.
If the pains persists, it can limit the patient's work and leisure activities considerably. Very few patients will be affected by chronic pain, but those that do experience it may be referred for physiotherapy, massage therapy, or both. Taking this approach can usually help restore normal functionality to the neck.
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