When the neck is moved abruptly in any one direction it can result in a painful injury. Known as whiplash, it usually occurs following a sudden impact such as a motor vehicle accident, and causes damage to the tendons and ligaments in the neck. Pain and stiffness follow when this happens and are characteristic of this type of injury.
Symptoms can vary in their intensity from one patient to another, depending on the nature of the incident that caused the injury and the particular force which jarred the neck. Patients commonly report pain and stiffness in the neck, especially upon movement, they may also experience referred pain in the back, shoulders, or arms, and possibly headaches and muscle spasms too. It usually takes about 6-12 hours after the accident, for the patient to become aware of the pain, and it often gets worse in the days that follow.
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.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
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.
More often than not, this condition will be "self-limiting", that is, it will naturally heal itself over time with very little medical intervention. Pain can usually be managed with over the counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol, and if necessary, codeine can be prescribed. If the pain persists longer than six months, it will be treated as a chronic condition.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
Those patients who find that the pain drags on and that it has started to place restrictions on their normal work and leisure activities, will need a more aggressive treatment plan. The physician will most often refer them for physiotherapy, either done alone or in combination with massage therapy, to help bring about long-term healing.
Symptoms can vary in their intensity from one patient to another, depending on the nature of the incident that caused the injury and the particular force which jarred the neck. Patients commonly report pain and stiffness in the neck, especially upon movement, they may also experience referred pain in the back, shoulders, or arms, and possibly headaches and muscle spasms too. It usually takes about 6-12 hours after the accident, for the patient to become aware of the pain, and it often gets worse in the days that follow.
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.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
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.
More often than not, this condition will be "self-limiting", that is, it will naturally heal itself over time with very little medical intervention. Pain can usually be managed with over the counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol, and if necessary, codeine can be prescribed. If the pain persists longer than six months, it will be treated as a chronic condition.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
Those patients who find that the pain drags on and that it has started to place restrictions on their normal work and leisure activities, will need a more aggressive treatment plan. The physician will most often refer them for physiotherapy, either done alone or in combination with massage therapy, to help bring about long-term healing.
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