Whiplash: A Basic but Complete Guide
When it comes to injuries, doctors regard whiplash as one of the most frequently occurred in accidents. Whiplash is a type of neck injury caused by the sudden movement of the head. It often happens in the aftermath of a traffic accident or a fall. Even though it is a mild condition, it can also cause long-term discomfort and pain. This situation usually gets better within 2 to 3 months of constant care. Whiplash also results from sports injuries, physical fights, or amusement park rides. The stretching of the muscles and ligaments in the neck beyond the usual movement range results in having a whiplash. The pain felt by the victim is often concealed due to the adrenaline rush immediately after an accident. They may not even feel the soreness from the hurt for hours or weeks at the end. How does whiplash feel? How do I make it better? This guide will help you look into everything you need to know about ‘Whiplash.’
Causes:
Whiplash occurs when the muscles in your neck feel the pain of a strain due to a rapid jolt forwards and then backward. This sudden movement causes your neck’s tendons to stretch than their capacity and tear, resulting in whiplash. Other than car accidents, contact sports such as boxing, karate and, football can also cause whiplash. Likewise, horseback riding, cycling accidents, blows to the head with a heavy object, and falls in which the head violently jerks backward are prime causes of whiplash.
Although whiplash is associated with driving, it can also be because of the sudden stops in amusement park rides such as roller coasters. Violently shaking small babies can also lead to whiplash injuries or brain damage. Most of the time, the exact underlying cause remains unknown for some symptoms despite whiplash chiropractors using the most advanced diagnostic treatments.
Symptoms:
After an accident, it is normal for you to not experience symptoms for days, weeks, or immediately right after the trauma. But they can last for several weeks. The hurt from whiplash is often hard to ignore. The symptoms may include pain or stiffness in the neck leading to whiplash-related dizziness that could be from neck instability or even a concussion, blurry vision, and other visual deficits that may result from any number of causes, including damage to a nerve.
A vision problem could also add to dizziness, spasms, or tightening of muscles in/around the neck, the upper back. In addition to spasms, headaches at the base of the skull radiate towards the forehead, and the muscles may feel sore or knotted, resulting in pain when rocking your head from side to side or backward and forward. Research has proven for some time that whiplash causes injury to the spine. However, recent studies have shown that those suffering from whiplash are also at an increased risk for traumatic brain injury. Brain injury mainly occurs with or without a direct impact on the head. The pain and restriction of a whiplash injury can persist for years or even a lifetime. The long-term effects of whiplash can include stiffness in the neck/shoulders and chronic pain. According to Chiropractors, problems with concentration and memory, ringing in the ears, inability to sleep well, and irritability are vital symptoms for whiplash. It is better to follow up with your whiplash chiropractor if any of these symptoms worsen, such as moving your head becoming more painful or you having numbness or weakness in your arms. Nearly 25 percent of people with whiplash report symptoms for up to a year. About 10 percent of patients report permanent symptoms due to their injuries. Hence, getting your whiplash treatment as soon as possible is the way to go.
Treatment:
To diagnose this injury, whiplash chiropractors use different methods, including MRI scans, X-rays, CT scans, and bone scans. Aside from staying active, many treatment options appear to come down to your unique situation and symptoms, as well as the preference. It is dependent on the opinion of your health care provider. The treatments for whiplash are relatively simple. For severe pain, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory painkillers or muscle relaxants such as paracetamols and Tylenol – these are available over the counter. Other whiplash treatments include:
● Ice or heat is applied to the injury site for the first 24 hours after you hurt yourself. The cold packs can temporarily close tiny blood capillaries and prevent swelling. Then ice or heat can be applied alternately a few days after the injury has taken place.
● Muscle relaxation or stimulations: To minimize muscle ache, whiplash doctors help stimulate the muscle and relax it. That includes gentle stretches to the muscles experiencing excessive tension and repeated contractions of the restricted muscle.
● Rest: Do not do anything that makes the pain worse. You can do your usual activities if they do not hurt your neck or put it at risk for more stress or injury. Take it easy for a couple of days. Likewise, try not to lift, sports, or other activities that might strain your neck.
● Exercise: Try to continue doing everyday activities. Do exercises to stretch your neck and back and make them stronger. Your doctor can tell you how to do so. It might hurt a little, but it will speed up your recovery.
Final Thoughts
Summing-up, to avoid having an injury like whiplash, it is better if you take necessary precautions. It is advisable to go through a rehabilitation period. Not only does this relieve you of your symptoms, but it also helps to get your life back on track. The road to recovery is a long and tedious one but constant caring of your neck/back muscles and visiting your physician regularly will help. Moreover, getting massages will also help release tension from your ligaments and lead you to recover in lesser time than expected.
Avoid using neck collars, but as directed by your whiplash chiropractor, and practice moving your muscles to ensure they do not stay stiff. In no time will you be back with an active upper body and a forgotten whiplash.
