Whiplash

Recovery and Treatment of whiplash

Occasionally this injury occurs as a result of sporting trauma, but more often it is a consequence of an automobile accident. The more correct term for this type of injury is a deceleration injury because it is often caused by the head decelerating in relation to the body, causing damage to the soft tissues of the neck.

The damage caused will depend upon whether the passenger was involved in a head-on or a rear-end collision. In a head-on collision, the neck and head continue to move forward whilst the body is stopped suddenly. The head only stops moving forward when the chin makes contact with the chest. This has the effect of stretching the structures at the back of the neck, namely ligaments and muscles.

In the case of a rear-end collision, the head and neck are thrown back in relation to the body and the stretch is applied to muscles at the front of the neck. Joints at the back of the neck called facet joints are compressed and can also be damaged. The importance of head rests in cars is utmost.
In either of these two methods of injury, if the force applied is severe enough there may be damage to the discs in the neck; the nerves from the spinal cord may be damaged, blood vessels may be damaged and there may even be bone injury.

Immediately following the injury the pain may not be too severe. However, the neck becomes more stiff and painful, usually reaching its worst point the day after the incident occurs. The pain may also be felt down the back and into the shoulder region. If the nerves in the neck have been damaged, the patient may experience tingling or numbness down the arms and hands. The patient may also experience weakness in the arms and hands, and may drop things like cups. If any of these symptoms develop or become worse, the patient should return to accident and emergency to be checked by a doctor.

Other after-effects of a whiplash injury may include headaches, dizziness, slightly red eyes, facial tingling, hearing problems and throat pain. These are not usually serious, but the patient should see their doctor if they are concerned.

All whiplash type injuries should be checked by a doctor in the accident and emergency department. A soft collar is usually fitted for whiplash sufferers. This takes the strain of the weight of the head off the ligaments and muscles of the neck.

In the acute stage, pain-relieving medication prescribed by a doctor is the most effective form of pain relief. Once the doctor is satisfied the damage is restricted to soft tissues, the patient is referred to a chartered physiotherapist to undergo rehabilitation.

Hot packs, which are similar to a hot water bottle in a towel, are applied to the painful area. This has a soothing effect and helps to get rid of the muscle spasm that is often present. Other electrotherapy treatments, such as ultrasound, are effective in encouraging the healing process in soft tissues. As soon as pain allows, the physiotherapist will encourage the patient to remove the soft collar and begin moving the neck. Although this is very uncomfortable at first, these exercises are the best way of reducing the pain and stiffness that is present and of accelerating the recovery.