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Whiplash
Submitted by Suparna on November 23, 2009 – 1:30 amNo Comment
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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