A most common injury to the neck is whiplash, which occurs due to a sudden and violent forward and backward movement. It causes the neck’s ligaments and muscles (soft tissues) to extend beyond their normal range of motion when these injuries take place. In whiplash situations, sufferers often incur injury to both the soft tissues and the bone structures of the neck. These injuries may be minor or severe. Some victims may be able to return to their everyday lives within a few days, while others may suffer long-term consequences.
Symptoms and Signs of Whiplash
Whiplash is not always immediately visible. It can take days or even weeks for many whiplash victims before any symptoms appear. Getting medical attention after an accident is always a good idea. Your injury claim to be recovered. Suppose you had a doctor’s assessment of your physical condition and a medical record of your injuries.
Symptoms and Signs of whiplash usually — but not always — appear within 24 hours after the injury and may include:
- Stiffness in the neck and back
- When the neck is twisted, the pain gets worse.
- Loss of neck range of motion
- Migraines, which usually begin at the base of the skull
- There may be a tingling or pain in the upper back, shoulder, or arms
- Arm tingling or numbness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
How can you tell if you’ve had whiplashs?
The first step in the evaluation process is a physical examination. Based on test results, a doctor may order an MRI, CT, or an X-ray if they suspect whiplash is present. However, for most people, the injury occurs in structures that are too small to be seen in these tests. True, even if you’re in excruciating pain. As a result, symptoms remain the primary way to know if you have whiplash.
How long does whiplash last?
Most patients experience relief from neck pain after only one to three months of treatment. Research shows that between 12 and 50% of people still experience chronic neck pain. As a result, you’re more likely to experience this nagging pain if:
- The pain is unbearable from the start.
- The pain begins to manifest itself.
- The loss of memory is one of your neurological symptoms.
- Chronic neck pain is more likely to develop if the initial injury is more severe and if you are more anxious.
How is whiplash treated?
Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Heat, rather than cold, can help loosen muscles in the area.
Getting better as quickly as possible is the goal of treatment. Physical therapy for children begins at an early age with stretches, rotations, and back and forth movements of the neck. We rarely recommend a soft neck collar for patients to keep the joints and muscles moving rather than immobilize them.
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