Learn Whiplash Symptoms and Treatments

Cervical acceleration-deceleration, also known as Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) used to describe a range of injuries of the neck. It occurs due to the sudden high-impact injury to the cervical spine caused by a quick back and forth movement of the neck and head. The cervical spine is the upper part of the backbone, lying between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae, the middle region of the spine.

According to research, whiplash injuries are more prevalent among females than in males. It affects around 3 million Americans each year, with 1.5 million of them suffering from chronic pain. 

This article will help you understand your situation in-depth and guide you through your injury, suggesting the most appropriate whiplash treatment options. 

Symptoms

A whiplash injury is usually minor and afflicts a limited area of soft tissues. Although it is not critical damage to the neck, it can lead to a prolonged period of partial disability to the affected individual. Most patients may experience pain in both the neck and shoulders, along with tenderness and stiffness.

Signs and symptoms of minor whiplash injury usually occur within 24 hours of impact and may include: 

• Stiffness and rigidity
• Pain gets worse when you move your neck
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Headaches that originates most often at the base of the skull
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Fatigue
• Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep at night
• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
• Cervicalgia

Cervicalgia is a type of neck discomfort that can occur anywhere from the bottom of your skull to your shoulders. It might progress to your upper back or arms, limiting your head and neck movement. 

Sometimes, whiplash’s full effect may not be felt for 24 hours or longer after the occurrence. Significant adverse effects can arise, just as they can with most other injuries when left untreated. Whiplash is usually a short-lived injury, but in a tiny percentage of patients, the symptoms last longer than six months, and the condition can become chronic and disabling. 

Other indications that also associate with chronic injury of the neck or left untreated may be followed by: 

• Blurry vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• A problem in remembering things
• Depression
• When the numbness and weakness starts to spread towards your arms

Why do you experience pain in the surrounding of the impacted area?

When the muscles in the neck tighten down, this causes impingement of the nerves. It can also result in radiating pain in the arms, hands and gives rise to headaches. Hence to prevent further complications, it is necessary to schedule a check-up as soon as possible.

Whiplash is no different. Untreated whiplash can lead to acute spine injuries or degenerative spinal disc disease and vertebrae misalignment that may necessitate spinal disc surgery. 

Causes

Whiplash typically occurs when your head is forcefully and quickly thrown backward and then forward. This motion can injure your bones in the spine, discs between the cervical spinal cord, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other neck tissues.

A whiplash injury may result from: 

• Auto accidents

Whiplash is a common occurrence that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. As a result, it’s difficult to anticipate or avoid. A major cause of whiplash is Rear-End Collisions while being in a stationary position. Wearing your seat belt can protect you from severe casualties.

• Physical assault

Whiplash can occur if you are hit or jolted. It is one of the injuries that relate to the shaken baby syndrome. 

• Sports involving physical contact or tackle

Close contact sports such as Football tackles and boxing collisions can sometimes cause whiplash. Neck strain afflicts many individuals who play contact sports like football and are likely more prone to having neck strain. 

• Fall from a height

The head jerks forcefully backward when falling from a height or odd angles. Such as falling off a ladder or a chair. It also includes cycling accidents. 

Diagnosis

It’s essential to receive an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible and check for any broken bones or other damage that can aggravate the symptoms.

The doctor may take time to examine the area of concern by asking a relative line of questions. The physical examination may include:

• Observation of the patient’s posture
• Checking the range of motion
• Palpation or confirming tightened muscles in the neck

If your doctor suspects a fracture or a neurological problem, you may also need imaging tests such as an X-ray and CT-scan may be required to rule out other possible conditions. 

Treatment options

The severity of your whiplash injury will determine your alternative treatment options. Some patients only require in-house care whereas, others may need specialized treatment for varied discomfort. 

Doctors who deal with precise neck injuries may include:

• Chiropractors and osteopathy

A chiropractic doctor will be able to successfully treat your whiplash injury by conducting safe and natural realignments. Osteopaths, on the other hand, provide a specific treatment for pain relief.

• Physical therapist

A physical therapist may also include your primary care doctor. Seeking physical therapy guarantees the best whiplash treatment for moderate neck injuries. 

• Otolaryngologist

An otolaryngologist is a physician who focuses on treating head and neck disorders using both surgical and non-surgical methods. 

• Orthopedists

When it comes to treating neck pain, many patients consider orthopedic care. 

• Skilled neurologist

Every patient has distinctive neck and back pain, with different levels of complications linked with a bone or disc abnormality. A neurologist seems to be qualified to determine the reason behind your symptoms on an individual basis. 

If symptoms from a neck injury are mild and moderate, some self-care options typically include: 

1. Resting

Though it is ideal for you to continue with your moderate activities to aid in your whiplash treatment, it’s also sensible to take it easy the first few days. If a particular activity exacerbates your neck discomfort, then limit or refrain from it until your neck has more time to recover. 

2. Ice or heat therapy

Using ice packs or heat pads to treat a whiplash injury in the first couple of days can help decrease discomfort and swelling in the neck. It temporarily blocks tiny blood vessels and prevents edema from increasing. Following that, you can continue to administer its use alternately a few days after the injury. 

3. Physical therapy

In addition to self-treated therapies, physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery. Signing up for physical therapy as recommended by your doctor may help you regain your neck’s mobility at its best. The physical therapist may also use ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to alleviate the pain. During this, the physiotherapist may suggest support equipment, such as a cervical foam collar that provides temporary comfort and support to the neck muscles. 

4. Medication

Doctors frequently prescribe OTC pain-relieving medicines like Tylenol or aspirin. More severe injuries may require muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms. However, only take medications prescribed by your doctor. 

5. Injections

Corticosteroid or lidocaine injections might help relieve unbearable muscle spasms. 

6. Anti-inflammatory foods

Several nutritions can contribute to chronic inflammation within the body. Antioxidant-rich foods can neutralize inflammation and help attain maximal mobility in the afflicted region. The vital source diet plan for whiplash treatment consists of:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Unsaturated fats
• Fish and other foods that are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
• Lean meat
• Protein from legumes

The Verdict

The potential benefits may go unnoticed for a few days, but it is necessary to consistently stick with the commitment for more than a month to notice positive results.