Whiplash is a term to describe an injury to the neck in which the neck moves rapidly forwards and backwards and is taken beyond its normal range of motion. The most common cause is a road traffic accident and less commonly due to sports injuries, falls or assault. Whiplash injury causes damage to the soft tissues of the neck and especially the sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae and longus coli muscles. More serious accidents may sprain joints, fracture bones and damage nerves.
Whiplash Injury Symptoms
Whiplash neck injury symptoms typically take 24-48 hours to develop and include
- Shoulder and neck pain and stiffness (severe neck pain possible)
- Muscle pain and spasm
- Reduced range of movement
- Swelling
- Headache
The following symptoms indicate more serious whiplash neck injury and require immediate medical attention. Whiplash treatment should not be sought until these symptoms have been fully investigated.
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Pain in the arms
- Pain directly over the spine
- Memory loss
- Unconsciousness
- Neurological symptoms in the arms and legs – pins and needles, numbness, weakness
Whiplash Self Treatment
Medical attention should be sought and x-rays and scans taken as necessary. Assuming the all clear is given by medical staff self help should consist of
- Rest – and avoidance of excessive strain of the neck
- Gentle stretching and movement of the neck within pain free limits as soon as possible
- Anti-inflammatory medication as advised by doctor or pharmacist
Treatment for Whiplash
- Massage to reduce muscle spasm
- Stretching and spinal joint manipulation to restore normal range of motion
- Improve posture to reduce strain on neck
Tags: neck injury, neck pain
