Whiplash was once known as
“railway spine” in the time before cars. It is quite a common neck injury that
occurs in the cervical when the spine and soft tissues vigorously thrust
forward or backward. Such forceful jerk may harm muscles supporting the neck or
even damage one or more discs in the cervical spine. While not typically being life
threatening, whiplash can be very painful at times. Here are some key facts
about whiplash Beverly Hills Spine Surgeons suggest you to remember to get
effective treatment.
Whiplash is commonly related to
car accidents but it is simply any abnormal movement of the neck that causes
some type of strain or damage. Rear collisions are the most common types of car
accidents that cause whiplash, where the drive is in a stationary position.
Other causes include;
·
A sharp, abrupt neck twist beyond its normal
range if motion
·
Vigorous thrusts of neck when riding in
amusement park
·
Sports related injury
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2. Symptoms Vary with Duration and Intensity
Several studies with crash test
dummies found that most rear hits result in whiplash causing the upper cervical
spine hyperflexes forward and lower cervical spine hyperextend backward making
“S” shape. This can result in a variety of symptoms that can be shot term or
chronic. Other symptoms include;
·
Neck pain and stiffness
·
Shoulder pain and stiffness
·
Burning or tingling sensations
·
Reduced range of motion
·
Muscle spasms
·
Dizziness or vision problems
·
Arm pain or weakness
3. Diagnosis Involves Observing a Change in Symptoms
The initial whiplash treatment
involves physical examination and evaluation of the symptoms. Image tests like
X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be done to determine the occurrence of a
fracture within the cervical spine or damaged spinal discs. A follow up
examination is typically set up about a week later to observe possible changes
because issues sometimes develop after the initial pain due to constant
inflammation and other reactions within.
4. Non Surgical Treatments for Lasting Relief
Often times, conservative non
surgical methods provide relief for most patients. Once, cervical collars were
the initial treatment for whiplash but research has found that prolonged immobilization
can slow the healing process. An initial rest period may allow tissues to heal
and then an appropriate range of motion exercise will be effective enough to
restore the flexibility and strength of muscles. Treatments many include;
·
Trigger point injections
·
Physical therapy and gentle stretching exercises
·
Anti-inflammatory medications
·
Occupational therapy to help patients return to
work
·
Soft or hard bracing for a limited time
5. Self Care Steps to Prevent Whiplash Risks
Due to the unexpected nature of
whiplash, prevention is not possible many times. However, steps can be taken to
reduce the risk of possible neck injuries. For example, athletes must pay
attention to their posture and wear properly fitting protective gear. Other
preventive measures include;
·
Practice right posture when driving as slouching
many take off the head of headrest
·
Doing warm ups and stretches with intervals to
keep neck muscles flexible
·
Adjusting vehicle head restrains to ensure
sufficient support to head and neck
·
Following safety recommendations when taking
amusement park rides
If you are unable to find lasting
relief, reach out to cervical experts and Beverly Hills Spine Surgeon to know
your best treatment option for optimum results.
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