Whiplash is a common term for injuries to the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue, often caused by car accidents or sports injuries. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and headaches. Diagnosis is usually done through a physical exam, and treatment may include pain medication, muscle relaxers, exercise, and heat therapy. Recovery typically takes two to three months, but medical attention should be sought for any head or neck injury.
Whiplash is a term that describes injuries to the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue of the neck. Contrary to popular belief, whiplash is not a medical term, but is still the most commonly used term for such a neck injury. Typically, whiplash occurs as a result of a rear-vehicle collision or sports injury, but other accidents can explain similar neck injuries.
Whiplash, also known as a neck sprain or cervical sprain, is a direct result of the neck being forced out of its normal range of motion. Because this is an injury that primarily involves muscles and ligaments, it can take up to 12 hours or more for the effects of whiplash to be noticeable. Symptoms of whiplash include stiff neck and neck pain, limited mobility, back and shoulder pain, and headaches. The signs and symptoms of whiplash should not be confused with the symptoms of a head injury in an accident. Medical care should not be postponed if a head injury has occurred.
Diagnosing whiplash is usually not difficult and typically involves only a physical exam. Most muscle and tissue sprains or injuries will not show up on x-rays, and only severe injuries are typically sent for imaging.
Treatment for whiplash may consist of pain medications and muscle relaxers along with a range of range-of-motion exercises. In years past, it was believed that a whiplash injury should be immobilized with the help of a collar, but in recent years, doctors have begun to encourage mobility for faster healing. Sometimes a soft collar brace is provided for the first week or two, but now it’s used in conjunction with exercise. Heat therapy can also help with neck pain and tension. In some cases, physical therapy and traction are used if an individual is experiencing severe pain with mobility or has sustained back injuries along with neck injuries.
Most people recover completely from whiplash within two to three months. Some individuals may experience residual neck pain for a longer period of time. While whiplash is typically a minor injury, it’s important to see a doctor whenever the head or neck has been injured.
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