Whiplash

Whiplash is a condition wherein neck muscles or ligaments (cervical spine) get strained or sprained due to an abrupt and forceful jerk or the head suddenly moved in a back-and-forth movement. Whiplash is most prevalently the outcome of an injury caused due to a decelerating action often noticed in motor accidents. Whiplash might take place irrespective of the force being focussed either from the front side or from the rear.

Whiplash Signs & Symptoms:

• Pain and associated swelling in the neck region.
• Decrease in mobility or in movement.
• Soreness felt in the upper sections of the back and neck.
• Muscular twinges.
• Headaches.
• In extreme cases, neurologic-alike signs could surface in spite of no damage done to the neural constitution.
• Giddiness or other disorientation or misbalanced whinges.
• Vision variations.
• Feeling nauseous and referred signs into the farthest points.

Diagnosis & Tests:

• As soon as the patient is observed to be in a stable state, the doctor would evaluate the total medical past and physical exam for gauging the extent of injury.
• Additionally, the doctor would examine the head and neck region and would check the patient’s muscle strength, sensation if felt in the extremities of the body and observe the reflexes.
• The doctor might take X-rays for ruling out any kind of fractures or spinal instability.

Whiplash Treatment:

• The treatments of milder cases of whiplash are generally done with the over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines.
• Cold compresses with the assistance of ice applications are done over the areas of injury.
• In case the pain persists, the doctor would advice prescription medicines, physiotherapy or chiropractic care.
• Till the time more grave lesions have been excluded, apposite treatment for whiplash comprises of proper rehabilitation exercises, specific approaches for relieving signs.
• In extreme situations, the signs of whiplash could endure to a certain extent for several months or even last for years on end.
• It is hence imperative to speak to one’s doctor regarding treatment choices, if any, could be ideally suitable for the patient concerned.

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