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 produced can vary depending on the severity of the trauma which the neck has sustained. The most common symptoms are a stiff and painful neck that is difficult to move freely, muscle spasms, headaches, and referred pain that is felt in the shoulders, arms, or back. Usually the pain starts to become apparent 6-12 hours after the incident, and it may get progressively worse over the next several days.
Less commonly, one may experience such symptoms as numbness in the arms and hands, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and vertigo. Even more rarely, one may have memory, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms if experienced, should not last long, if they do, a physician should be consulted.
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of this painful condition. However it can also happen as a result of other similar traumas to the head and neck, including a contact sports injury, a slip and fall incident such as tumbling down a staircase, or an intentional act of violence involving a blow to the head, such as a mugging.
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.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be 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.
Patients who suffer from persistent pain may find that it is having a negative impact on their regular work and leisure activities. In a case such as this, which is rare, the physician may refer the patient to either massage therapy, physiotherapy, or a combination of both. This approach can effectively restore normal movement to the neck.
The symptoms produced can vary depending on the severity of the trauma which the neck has sustained. The most common symptoms are a stiff and painful neck that is difficult to move freely, muscle spasms, headaches, and referred pain that is felt in the shoulders, arms, or back. Usually the pain starts to become apparent 6-12 hours after the incident, and it may get progressively worse over the next several days.
Less commonly, one may experience such symptoms as numbness in the arms and hands, lower back pain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and vertigo. Even more rarely, one may have memory, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms if experienced, should not last long, if they do, a physician should be consulted.
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of this painful condition. However it can also happen as a result of other similar traumas to the head and neck, including a contact sports injury, a slip and fall incident such as tumbling down a staircase, or an intentional act of violence involving a blow to the head, such as a mugging.
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.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be 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.
Patients who suffer from persistent pain may find that it is having a negative impact on their regular work and leisure activities. In a case such as this, which is rare, the physician may refer the patient to either massage therapy, physiotherapy, or a combination of both. This approach can effectively restore normal movement to the neck.
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