A of neck pain is whiplash, a type of injury to the soft tissues of the neck caused by sudden and rapid movement of the head and neck. The most common cause of whiplash is a rear-end vehicle collision, and can often lead to nerve damage and injury to the discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots. Despite the seemingly serious nature of whiplash, it is quite treatable and usually resolves itself within 2 to 3 weeks, although can take upwards of 6 months to fully heal.
Symptoms
Whiplash presents itself with a myriad of symptoms. One of the more common symptoms is dizziness, which occurs in one-quarter to one-half of whiplash victims, and when coupled with headaches can be indicative of a concussion. Other symptoms may include shoulder and back pain, paresthesias (abnormal burning or prickling sensations) and muscle and ligament injury.
Diagnosis
Despite damage generally being localized only to soft tissue of the neck, diagnosis of whiplash as opposed to any other condition includes an X ray of the cervical spine in case of delayed symptoms. Consultation with a doctor is also important to rule out any other, more serous conditions that might present with the same symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment depends on a combination of the stage of the problem and which muscles have been damaged. Before beginning any treatment consult a physician, as there are a number of other conditions that can cause the symptoms often associated with whiplash.
Initial Treatment
Initial treatment of whiplash is a simple resting of the muscles. The neck is usually supported by a soft cervical collar to prevent unnecessary movement of the neck, although it is wise not prolong this treatment, as it could lead to neck stiffness. The length one should wear the collar is contingent on the severity of the injury. However, immobilization offers only a meager benefit, though could prove mildly beneficial in the event of a more severe injury.
Other Treatments
Other steps may be taken to help alleviate the pain and symptoms of whiplash, including the alternation of ice and heat to relieve muscle tension and pain. The application of ice in 20-minute segments for the first 24 hours is recommended to minimize the amount of pain. Place a towel between the ice and the skin, as direct exposure could cause extreme irritation or skin damage. Continue this regiment until the pain stops. Heat can be used once the pain subsides to aid in the reduction of inflammation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication and analgesics, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be used to decrease swelling and pain, respectively. If a past medical history of gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer disease or reflux disease exists, ibuprofen must be avoided, as it could exacerbate these and other stomach-related conditions.
Muscle relaxants such as diazepam, range-of-motion exercises and physical therapy can all be employed 72 hours after the injury to aid in the restoration of flexibility and movement, and over time pain will begin to subside as the muscles heal.
As is the case of all medical treatments, it is wise to consult a doctor before beginning or prolonging any of the aforementioned treatments.
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