Recognizing whiplash, neck injury after motor accident & bull; hello healthy

Whiplash syndrome is a non-medical term used to describe neck injuries caused by rapid, sudden, and very strong movements originating from the front, side, or back of the head. Whiplash occurs most often during motorized accidents, but this neck injury can also result from sports accidents, physical violence, or other trauma, such as when you fall.

The term "whiplash" was first used in 1928. The term "railway spine", is used to describe a similar condition that was common in people involved in train accidents before 1928. Whiplash syndrome describes damage to the structures and soft tissues of the neck and head. whereas "whiplash associated disorders", aka complications of Whiplash disorders, describe a more severe and chronic condition of neck injuries.

How does whiplash syndrome occur?

Whiplash syndrome occurs when the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) of the neck suffer from tension due to a rapid movement that causes the head to bounce back and forth (or vice versa), or from the right-left, beyond its normal range of motion.

This sudden movement causes the tendons and ligaments of the neck to stretch and tear, resulting in a reaction similar to a whip cracking. In addition, this neck trauma can also injure the vertebrae, the discs between the bones, nerves, and other soft tissues of the neck.

Reporting from Medicine Net, a recent study investigating whiplash syndrome in crash dummies(demonstration doll) during a motor accident using a high-speed camera found that the force of the collision from behind forced the lower cervical vertebrae into a very stretched position, while the upper cervical vertebrae were in a loose position. As a result, this collision causes an abnormal "S" shape of the cervical spine that is very prominent. It is thought that this abnormal movement causes damage to the soft tissue that holds the neck bones in place.

What can happen after experiencing a neck injury due to whiplash syndrome?

Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the incident that caused the neck injury, and can last for several weeks.

Common signs and symptoms of whiplash syndrome, include:

• Neck pain neck feels stiff
• Headache, especially in the lower part of the skull
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Constant fatigue

Other less common symptoms associated with long-term chronic pain include:

• Concentration and memory problems
• Ringing in ears
• Difficulty sleeping well
• Easy to get angry
• Chronic pain in the neck, shoulder or head

Symptoms may not appear for some time, and will start after a few days. Symptoms can also be present immediately after the incident. Therefore it is important to pay attention to any physical changes during the next few days after the accident.

Tingling and numbness in the shoulder, arm, and along the arm can also occur after you have an incident. You should follow up with your doctor immediately if symptoms spread to your shoulder or arm, especially if moving your head is painful, or your arm feels weak.

Fortunately, whiplash syndrome is generally not a life-threatening injury, but it can cause prolonged partial disability. Violent blows that cause neck strain can also sometimes lead to concussion. Since concussion can be a serious condition, it's important to see a doctor right away. You need emergency medical care if you feel confused, nauseous, very drowsy, or unconscious.

What can be done to treat neck injuries due to Whiplash syndrome?

Your doctor will usually ask you a number of specific questions regarding your injury, such as how the injury occurred, where you feel the most pain, and whether the pain is dull, sharp, or recurring stabbing.

Your doctor may also perform a physical exam to check the range of motion of your neck and look for areas of bruising, for example with an X-ray, to make sure your pain is not connected to other injuries or degenerative diseases such as arthritis. CT scans and MRI scans will allow doctors to check for damage or inflammation of tissue, spine, or nerves.

Treatment for neck injuries like this is relatively simple. Doctors will generally recommend that you use nonprescription pain relievers, such as Tylenol, paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin. More serious neck injuries may require prescription medications and muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms. You may be given a support collar to keep your neck stable. Collars should not be worn for more than three hours at a time, and should only be worn for the first few days after an injury.

Here's the good news: Whiplash syndrome will get better on its own over time. To help speed up the healing process, you can apply ice as quickly as possible after you get an injury. The ice used for compresses must first be wrapped in a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact between the skin and the ice which can cause skin injury. You should lie in bed with your head (which is supported by the pillow first) on the compress for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 times in the next 2-3 days. Only then can you apply warm water to your neck - with a cloth compress or take a warm bath.

You may also want to try alternative treatments for your neck injury, for example by:

• Acupuncture
• Massage: relieve some of the tension in the neck muscles
• Chiropractic
• Ultrasound
• Electronic nerve stimulation: This gentle electric current can help reduce neck pain

How long does it take for a neck injury due to Whiplash syndrome to heal completely?

Neck injury recovery time depends on how serious your Whiplash trauma is. Most cases will subside within a few days. Others can take weeks, if not more, to recover. This is influenced by the speed of recovery that is different for each person.

After the acute symptoms of a neck injury disappear, the doctor will begin the rehabilitation process to train your neck muscles to be stronger and more flexible. Rehabilitation is also done to heal the injury and reduce the chances of you injuring your neck again in the future.

You can start a light neck warmup at this point, and you can increase the intensity as it heals. But, don't start exercising without first discussing it with your doctor. And, don't be in a hurry.

Don't try to get back into your daily physical routine until you can:

• Turn to either side without feeling pain or stiffness
• Nodding your head from front to back, or vice versa, in one full motion
• Shake the head from both sides in one full motion without pain or stiffness

If you force yourself to do normal physical activity before your neck injury has completely healed, you may be at risk of chronic neck pain and permanent injury.