Whiplash Injury: Get the Facts Symptoms and Treatment Options
Whiplash injury is a type of neck injury that occurs due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. It occurs when the soft tissues (the muscles and ligaments) of your neck extend beyond the typical range of motion. This motion can injure bones in the spine, discs, ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck. The injury is most common following a rear-end car collision, but it can also result from sports accidents, physical abuse or other trauma. Common Symptoms Typically, the signs and symptoms of whiplash develop within 24 hours of the injury and may include –
Neck pain and stiffness Worsening of pain with neck movement Muscle spasms Tingling or numbness in the arm and/or hand Tenderness or pain in shoulder, upper back or arms Loss of range of motion in the neck Headaches (most often starting at the base of the skull) Fatigue Blurred vision Low back pain Dizziness Irritability Memory problems
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Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Sleep disturbances Diagnosing and Treating Whiplash As the first step, you will be asked to describe the event as well as the frequency and severity of the symptoms. The physician will also assess your ability to perform routine tasks. Head, neck and arms movement will be examined to determine –
The range of motion in your neck and shoulders The degree of motion that causes pain or an increase in pain Tenderness in the neck shoulders or back
In addition, the physician may conduct imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan (Computerized Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) to rule out other conditions that could be causing or contributing to the neck pain. The treatment prescribed for this neck injury will vary depending on severity. In a professional multi-specialty health care center, the physician will develop a customized treatment plan based on the symptoms to help patients manage pain, restore normal range of motion in the neck, and return to normal activity. A typical treatment program may include the following modalities: Chiropractic care – With gentle, controlled thrust of the hands,
chiropractors can correct subluxation (misaligned vertebrae), provide relief from pain, and restore maximum movement and functional ability.
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Physical therapy – The patient is made to perform range-of-motion exercises to strengthen muscles, improve posture and restore normal movement. Over-the-counter pain medications - Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) are prescribed to control mild to moderate pain. Exercise – Stretching, strengthening and movement exercises are
recommended to restore range of motion in the neck and improve functional ability.
Advanced cold therapy - A cold therapy system like Game Ready features innovative ACCEL™ Technology that combines intermittent,
active compression and cold therapy to increase blood flow in the injured site, stimulate tissue healing and reduce swelling, muscle spasms, and pain. Although whiplash injury is thought of as a relatively mild condition, it can
cause long-term pain and discomfort. The symptoms might not be apparent for a while and so it is important to pay attention to any physical changes for a few days following an accident. If your neck pain persists, see a physician immediately. Multi-specialty health care centers in Brooklyn, New York provide effective care for this condition.
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718-769-2521