Whiplash Symptoms

What are whiplash symptoms, and what are the causes and the necessary treatments?

When your first hear the word ?whiplash,? you probably think of auto accidents. In fact, auto accidents are one of the most common causes of whiplash. It doesn?t take a high rate of speed for this injury to occur, either.

Accidents involving speeds as low as fifteen miles per hour can cause whiplash.

Other Causes of Whiplash

Sports accidents are also responsible for many cases of whiplash.

When an accident occurs that forces the neck and head farther than the normal range of motion, the soft tissue surrounding the neck may become inflamed and painful.

Other causes of whiplash include:

? Blows to the head

? Repetitive stress injuries

? Chronic strain

? Child abuse, particularly shaking a baby

Chronic strain may include tilting the head repeatedly to one side to hold a phone or the repetitive motion of looking out a window.

While these may not seem like activities that can cause whiplash, it?s more common than you might think.

Symptoms of Whiplash

The symptoms of whiplash will vary between patients, depending on the severity.

Pain is obviously the most common symptom, but some cases of whiplash can affect your everyday activities.

Other symptoms of whiplash include:

? Swelling

? Tenderness

? Headaches

? Muscle spasms down the sides of your neck

? Difficulty in moving your head and neck

? Pain radiating down into either shoulder and arm

Do not try to self-diagnose this very serious condition. Only a medical doctor can provide a professional examination in a hospital setting.

Diagnosis of Whiplash

If you are transported to the hospital in a cervical collar, the physician will need to ensure there is no spinal cord injury before removing it.

X-rays may be taken, as well as a CAT Scan or MRI to make sure you do not have this type of very serious injury.

Once the cervical is removed, the physician will see how much movement you have of your head and neck without pain.

He or she will also examine you to see if there is any swelling or tenderness.

Treatment of Whiplash

Ice should be applied to the area for twenty minutes every hour that you are awake for the first 24 hours.

Your physician may instruct you to wear a cervical collar to reduce the pain of moving your head and neck, as well.

You should not participate in any activity that requires you to move your head, such as driving.

The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxers, or pain relievers to help you get through the first few days.

You will likely need to see your physician again in a week to ten days.

Long Term Problems

Because whiplash is an injury to the neck, you will want to ensure that you do seek treatment and that you are released by your doctor when the symptoms are gone.

Many times, whiplash injuries can cause chronic pain that can negatively affect your life.

Some people find relief through a physical therapist or a chiropractor, while others may feel as though their neck will never be the same.

Seeking professional medical treatment for your whiplash symptoms is important to ensuring a complete and total recovery.