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Whiplash is a sprain/strain syndrome of the neck (or cervical spine) due to a sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck and head. Sprain meaning that some tearing has occurred in the tendons or ligaments, strain meaning that some tearing has occurred in the muscles.
Very minor cases can be self limiting, meaning that they will resolve themselves. However long lasting effects may occur without treatment. A great deal of benefit has been shown to occur with chiropractic care especially when combined with physical therapy. Very often medical management has to be included in the form of pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxers, and joint or trigger-point steroid injections.
Often a whiplash injury can be managed conservatively with physical therapy and chiropractic care. However, sometimes a whiplash can be so severe as to cause other disorders in the cervical spine, like a herniated disc in the neck. If a herniated disc is severe enough surgery may even be required!
If you have been involved in an accident that has caused pain, soreness, or discomfort of the neck, it is a good idea to seek a professional opinion and have someone evaluate your individual case. Untreated conditions may take longer to resolve and may result in degenerative conditions of the spine.
What else can I help you with?
How long can whiplash last for?
Most commonly, whiplash is fully healed within about six months of the incident, but about one-third of people report neck pain ten years later. A smaller fraction experience chronic pain at the site of the whiplash for the rest of their lives.
Should whiplash hurt after a week?
It's not unusual for even minor cases of whiplash to hurt for a week. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and are in a good deal of pain, it is best to see a doctor. These are the common whiplash symptoms:Stiffness in neckConstant pain in neck and/or backSwellingLimited mobilityTingling or numbness in back and/or neckBelow is an article on whiplash.
What form does malingering often take?
may take the form of complaints of chronic whiplash pain from automobile accidents. Whiplash claims are controversial. Although some people clearly do suffer from whiplash injury, others may be exaggerating the pain for insurance claims
What are the signs of whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the back and neck, headaches, numbness and in severe cases-dizziness. Below is an article with a full list of possible symptoms and the causes of whiplash.
Are constant headaches and a sore neck symptoms of whiplash?
A constant neck pain is definitely a symptom of whiplash. Headaches is also a symptom for whiplash. However, headaches are also symptoms for other things.
Should whiplash symptoms be treated at a hospital?
It is not necessary to seek medical help for whiplash. Whiplash can be treated at home with Ice on the affected area for 20 minutes, an anti-inflammatory and if needed otc pain medication.
Is numbness in the fingertips a symptom of whiplash?
Numbness in the fingertips is not a symptom of whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash include: Neck pain, Neck swelling, Tenderness along the back of your neck, and Muscle spasms (in the side or back of your neck).
Can you drive with whiplash?
"We recommend that you do not drive if you are suffering from whiplash Injuries such as neck pain or you have a stiffness in your neck that prevents you from turning your head quickly." http://www.whiplashcompensationonline.co.uk/whiplashsymptoms.php
What is the latest research on whiplash?
Research suggests that the emotional response to an injury to the neck, particularly fear of reinjury, contributes significantly to the development of chronic pain from whiplash.
What is the treatment for whiplash injury?
Whiplash injury is commonly treated with analgesics (painkillers) and neck braces. Paracetamol is typically prescribed used to treat moderate neck pain.
What are the symptoms of Whiplash one may get?
Sufferers of whiplash report several different symptoms. These may include pain to the back and neck, but also referred shoulder pain. Others feel sensory disturbance to the arms and legs ("pins and needles").
Is a whiplash neck injury permanent?
Whiplash is not a permanent injury. Most whiplash victims recover within three months or less, usually within a week or two, however some do continue to experience pain and require surgery to fix it.
