Whiplash - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Whiplash happens when a sudden jerk or jolt to your body or head makes your head move violently away from the body. It is caused by hyper extension injury to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spines. This may cause the fibres of the neck muscles to tear, resulting in pain and often a decreased range of movement. Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear, however the injury can be sustained in many other ways. The exact injury mechanism that causes whiplash injuries is unknown. A whiplash injury may be the result of impulsive stretching of the spine, mainly the ligament: anterior longitudinal ligament which is stretched or tears, as the head snaps forward and then back again causing a whiplash injury. Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days. Whiplash is common after motor vehicle accidents, when a collision jolts the head violently. However, the condition can also result from a blow to the head or through long-term repetitive damage to the neck.

The symptoms of whiplash may resemble other conditions and medical problems. Patients with acute pain in the cervical region of the spine are advised to start their neck exercises as soon as possible and to get out of bed within two to three days. In children, whiplash can be a sign of abuse. If a child is shaken violently, it can cause the head to jolt causing whiplash injury. Whiplash syndrome is difficult to treat. The essence of the treatment is to prevent any further strain and encourage a quick return to normal everyday activities. Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this occurs, surgical repair of the discs may become necessary. A muscle relaxant such as diazepam is sometimes prescribed for a few days if your neck muscles become tense and make the pain worse. Stronger painkillers such as codeine or dihydrocodeine are an option if anti-inflammatories do not suit or do not work well.

Causes of Whiplash

The common causes and risk factor's of Whiplash:

• Car accident.
• Contact sport injuries and blows to the head from a falling object or someone punching you.
• Repetitive stress injuries.
• Chronic strain involving the neck (such as using your neck to hold the phone).
• Everyday activities - if you slip or fall, causing a jolt to the head.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Some sign and symptoms related to Whiplash are as follows:

• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades.
• Low back pain.
• Ringing in the ears or blurred vision.
• Muscle spasms (in the side or back of your neck).
• Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesias).

Treatment of Whiplash

• Whiplash is treated by dealing with any pain, and by healing the damage to the affected area.
• Pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain.
• At first you may need to rest your neck, but as the pain eases, try to exercise your neck as much as possible.
• Range of motion exercises and physical therapy.
• Apply an ice pack soon after the injury occurs to help reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly onto your skin. Use a towel to wrap the ice to provide a protective barrier.
• Stronger painkillers such as codeine or dihydrocodeine are an option if anti-inflammatories do not suit or do not work well.