When the neck is moved abruptly in any one direction it can result in a painful injury. Known as whiplash, it usually occurs following a sudden impact such as a motor vehicle accident, and causes damage to the tendons and ligaments in the neck. Pain and stiffness follow when this happens and are characteristic of this type of injury.
The symptoms produced can vary depending on the severity of the trauma which the neck has sustained. The most common symptoms are a stiff and painful neck that is difficult to move freely, muscle spasms, headaches, and referred pain that is felt in the shoulders, arms, or back. Usually the pain starts to become apparent 6-12 hours after the incident, and it may get progressively worse over the next several days.
There are also other symptoms a patient may experience, although these are fairly uncommon. Some may suffer from lower back pain, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, vertigo, and a numb or tingling feeling in the hands and arms. Even fewer patients may also complain of problems with memory, concentration, and mood swings. If present, these types of symptoms should not last long, if they do, one must consult a physician.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be chronic.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
Patients who suffer from persistent pain may find that it is having a negative impact on their regular work and leisure activities. In a case such as this, which is rare, the physician may refer the patient to either massage therapy, physiotherapy, or a combination of both. This approach can effectively restore normal movement to the neck.
The symptoms produced can vary depending on the severity of the trauma which the neck has sustained. The most common symptoms are a stiff and painful neck that is difficult to move freely, muscle spasms, headaches, and referred pain that is felt in the shoulders, arms, or back. Usually the pain starts to become apparent 6-12 hours after the incident, and it may get progressively worse over the next several days.
There are also other symptoms a patient may experience, although these are fairly uncommon. Some may suffer from lower back pain, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, vertigo, and a numb or tingling feeling in the hands and arms. Even fewer patients may also complain of problems with memory, concentration, and mood swings. If present, these types of symptoms should not last long, if they do, one must consult a physician.
While the most frequent cause of this condition is automobile accidents, it can also occur due to several other causes. A blow to the head may also happen as a result of another kind of accident such as slipping and falling down a set of stairs, or during a match of a contact sport such as football, hockey, or boxing. Someone who is a victim of a violent act such as a mugging in which he or she is hit over the head with a blunt instrument may also suffer from this disorder.
A physician can normally diagnose this injury by the description of the symptoms given by the patient alone. It's important that the healthcare provider be informed of all symptoms experienced and an accurate account of the accident responsible for the injury. Physical examination of the neck may be all that's needed, but in some cases a patient may be sent for an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to further assess the damage.
In many cases, this condition is "self-limiting", which means that it will typically improve over time with minimal treatment. Patients may take analgesics for the pain such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, if it is extreme, the doctor may prescribe a stronger drug like codeine. If the pain continues for more than six months, which is unusual, it may be chronic.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
Patients who suffer from persistent pain may find that it is having a negative impact on their regular work and leisure activities. In a case such as this, which is rare, the physician may refer the patient to either massage therapy, physiotherapy, or a combination of both. This approach can effectively restore normal movement to the neck.
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