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.
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of this painful condition. However it can also happen as a result of other similar traumas to the head and neck, including a contact sports injury, a slip and fall incident such as tumbling down a staircase, or an intentional act of violence involving a blow to the head, such as a mugging.
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.
Mobility of the neck plays a big role in effective recovery from this injury. A neck brace should not be used in this case, since it keeps the neck immobilized, instead patients are encouraged to practice gentle stretching exercises for the neck daily. Movement helps to return the neck's range of motion to normal. Yoga is one approach that can be quite helpful.
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.
Motor vehicle accidents are by far the most common cause of this painful condition. However it can also happen as a result of other similar traumas to the head and neck, including a contact sports injury, a slip and fall incident such as tumbling down a staircase, or an intentional act of violence involving a blow to the head, such as a mugging.
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.
Mobility of the neck plays a big role in effective recovery from this injury. A neck brace should not be used in this case, since it keeps the neck immobilized, instead patients are encouraged to practice gentle stretching exercises for the neck daily. Movement helps to return the neck's range of motion to normal. Yoga is one approach that can be quite helpful.
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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