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Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a powerful and rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. This sudden motion, like the cracking of a whip, can stretch and damage the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your neck.
read more about whiplash ...The most common cause of whiplash is a rear-end car accident. However, it can be caused by any jolt that makes your head snap back and forth. This includes sports injuries (especially in contact sports), being shaken, or a fall where your head is suddenly jolted.
The symptoms of whiplash often take 24 hours or more to appear after the injury. The most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness. You may also have headaches, pain in your shoulders or arms, dizziness, and feeling very tired. Your neck may also have a hard time moving in its full range of motion.
A doctor will ask you about your injury and your symptoms. They will do a physical exam to check your neck's range of motion and find any tender spots. In most cases, you do not need an X-ray. An X-ray cannot show soft tissue damage. Your doctor may order one only to make sure you do not have a broken bone or a dislocated spine.
For most mild cases, whiplash gets better on its own with time. Treatment is focused on relieving the pain. Your doctor may suggest rest for the first day, but after that, gentle movement is important to stop your neck from getting stiffer. Pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and using ice or heat can help. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy for exercises.
To understand the injury, it helps to visualize the movement of the spine. During a rear-end collision, the body is pushed forward by the seat, but the head lags behind. This causes the neck to hyperextend (bend backward) rapidly. Immediately after, the head is thrown forward into hyperflexion. This violent "S-shaped" wave of motion strains the ligaments beyond their normal range, causing the microscopic tears that lead to pain.
Most people with mild whiplash feel much better within a few weeks. A small number of people may have some leftover pain or stiffness that lasts for several months or longer.
Foam collars are not used very much anymore. Doctors have found that keeping your neck still for a long time can make the muscles weaker and stiffer. It is better to start gentle movement as soon as your doctor says it is safe.
While it is very painful, whiplash is usually not a dangerous injury. It is a sprain of the soft tissues in your neck. It does not mean your neck is broken.
You should always see a doctor after a car accident or any injury that causes neck pain. It is important to get checked to make sure you do not have a more serious problem, like a fracture. You should also see a doctor right away if you have severe pain, or if you have any numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.