Whiplash symptoms are characterised by discomfort that occurs following damage to the neck usually as a result of a sudden moderate to severe strain affecting the bones, discs, muscles, nerves, or tendons of the neck, which is composed of seven small bones known as the cervical spine. The injury is caused by a sudden jerk such as in a road traffic accident but may also occur in other types of accident. The head is violently thrown back, forwards or sideways followed by reflex contraction in the opposite direction. Swelling and inflammation occur which leads to pressure being placed on the nerves. Diagnosis can be difficult because X rays and scans do not always reveal the injury and is usually based on observation of symptoms, medical history and physical examination.
Symptoms
The symptoms of whiplash injury vary from person to person due to differing injury and differing physiques. Some more severe injuries will cause muscle tears resulting in uncomfortable burning pain, prickling or tingling sensations and even more severe injury may cause disc damage resulting in sharp pain with certain movements often with pain radiating into the arms, hand and fingers. The majority of people who suffer from this injury will complain of whiplash symptoms including neck pain, which typically starts up to two days after the accident. Most people will also complain of variable headaches which are usually the result of tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and are often felt behind the eyes. Shoulder pain often radiates down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area and is also usually the result of tensed muscles. Following an accident there is often general neck pain which may be present directly or may develop gradually over hours, days or weeks after the injury. Pain and stiffness is caused by muscle spasms. Whiplash symptoms may include :-
- pain or stiffness of the neck, back, jaw, shoulders, or arms
- headache and dizziness
- loss of feeling, or burning or prickling in an arm or hand
- nausea or vomiting
- psychological conditions including memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue and depression
Treatment is usually by way of pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and supportive treatments. Severe injury may be treated with a surgical collar, cervical traction and heat therapy.
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