Neck Pain?You May Have a
Whiplash Injury
|
Motor vehicle accidents, blows to the back in sports, and on the job injuries are some of the ways one can be left with a whiplash injury. The most common reason is a rear-end car collision. Symptoms are often vague and can appear immediately or after several days, months, or even years. When a person is hit from the rear, the head is suddenly thrown backward and forward, sometimes resulting in an injury. The most often reported symptom is neck pain, which is usually the result of muscles that are tight or in spasm that are protecting and supporting the head and limiting excessive movement of the neck and upper back. The following are several common effects of whiplash on the body.
Loss of cervical lordosis (the neck's nature concave curvature)
Pain in any spinal segment, chest pain, or mid-shoulder blade pain
Mild to severe headache
Radiating pain or muscle weakness in one or both arms
Dizziness, Vertigo, nausea, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears
Dysphagia (difficult swallowing associated with swelling or ligament sprain)
Jaw/TMJ pain (pain upon opening the mouth or chewing, deviation of the jaw)
|
Treatment
|
Appropriate management of a whiplash injury is based upon ongoing patient assessment and the stage the patient is going through. If one suspects serious injury, diagnostic testing such as an X-ray or MRI may be ordered. During the acute stage, within the first 24 hours to one week, the patient would benefit from therapeutic interventions such as ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, manual therapy, massage, posture alignment training, use of a supportive cervical collar or pillow, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory, or pain management. One of the most important treatments a practitioner can provide is the education on the extent of one's condition.
During the intermediate stage, from the first week to the third week, the patient typically loses the severe pain and spasms. Symptoms are becoming more specific and localized. Modalities, such as moist heat or ultrasound, are effective at this stage. Manual therapy consisting of soft tissue massage or joint mobilizing techniques may be indicated. Gentle strengthening exercises to help achieve stability of the head and neck may be introduced. Being aware of your posture and body position is key at this time, especially if the patient is back at work or returning to normal daily activities.
During the chronic stage of whiplash the focus is on returning the patient to their pre-injury level of function. This is generally achieved by functional strengthening exercises, passive mobilizations, cervical traction, and instruction on a thorough home exercise program. Usually treatments continue as long as improvements are being achieved and stop when the patient is at a plateau. This may take several months or possibly years.
At Healthwise Care Center, we specialize in treatment of whiplash injuries and similar symptoms, utilizing both Chiropractic and Physical Therapy. Contact us at 694-2273.
|
| |
