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.
Occasionally a patient may also experience some symptoms which is less common including vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, lower back pain, and a tingling or numb sensation in the arms or hands. Some will even be affected by mood swings, and impaired memory and concentration, but these symptoms are even less common. If any of these symptoms manifest, they will not normally last long, if they do however, it's important to contact one's doctor.
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.
Most physicians will diagnose the condition based on the patient's description of the his or her symptoms, and by simply performing a physical examination of the neck. The more details concerning the accident and nature of the pain that the patient can provide the doctor with, the better. If indicated, the patient may need to have an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray taken as well.
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.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
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.
Occasionally a patient may also experience some symptoms which is less common including vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, lower back pain, and a tingling or numb sensation in the arms or hands. Some will even be affected by mood swings, and impaired memory and concentration, but these symptoms are even less common. If any of these symptoms manifest, they will not normally last long, if they do however, it's important to contact one's doctor.
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.
Most physicians will diagnose the condition based on the patient's description of the his or her symptoms, and by simply performing a physical examination of the neck. The more details concerning the accident and nature of the pain that the patient can provide the doctor with, the better. If indicated, the patient may need to have an MRI, CT scan, or x-ray taken as well.
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.
Although it will likely be painful, it is important to one's recovery to keep the neck mobile as much as possible following the injury. Using a neck brace is not advisable since it immobilizes the neck, rather it is best to perform some moderate exercises and stretches that help restore normal functioning and range of motion. Yoga may be helpful in promoting healing.
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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