What is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to your neck. It is brought on by your neck bending by force ahead and after that in reverse, or the other way around. The injury, which is inadequately understood, generally involves the muscular tissues, discs, nerves, as well as tendons in your neck.
What causes whiplash?
A lot of whiplash injuries arising from an accident that includes abrupt acceleration or slowdown. Several whiplash injuries happen when you are involved in a rear-end car collision. They also happen as an outcome of a sporting activities injury, particularly during contact sporting activities.
What are the signs of whiplash?
These are the most common symptoms of whiplash:
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Neck discomfort
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Neck tightness
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Shoulder discomfort
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Low back pain
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Lightheadedness
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Discomfort in your arm or hand
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Feeling numb in your arm or hand
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Ringing in your ears
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Obscured vision
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Concentration or memory problems
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Irritability
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Insomnia
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Exhaustion
The signs of whiplash may resemble various other problems and clinical issues. Constantly see your healthcare provider for a medical diagnosis.
How is whiplash identified?
With a full case history and physical exam, tests for whiplash may include the following. Several whiplash injuries include damage to soft tissue that can not be seen on X-rays:
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X-ray. Electromagnetic energy beams create photos of internal cells, bones, and also organs onto film.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Huge magnets and a computer make detailed pictures of organs and soft tissue frameworks in your body.
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Computed tomography (CT) scan. X-rays and computer innovation make straight, or axial, pictures (often called slices) of your body. A CT check shows detailed photos of any component of your body, including your bones, muscular tissues, fat, and body organs. CT scans are a lot more in-depth than general X-rays.
How is whiplash treated?
Your healthcare provider will figure out details treatment for whiplash, based on:
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Your age, overall health, and wellness, as well as, medical history
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The extent of your injury
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the extent stance for particular medication treatments, or treatments
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Expectations for the program of your injury
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Your opinion or choice
Therapy might consist of:
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Ice applications for the very first 1 day
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Cervical (neck) collar
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Gentle, active motion after 24 hours
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen).
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Muscle relaxing medicines.
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Physical treatment.
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Osteopathic control.
What are the complications of a whiplash injury?
While lots of people that have a whiplash injury recover within a few weeks to a few months, some have relentless discomfort for several months or longer.
When should I call my doctor?
If your signs and symptoms have not improved within the moment frame your doctor recommended, allowed him or her to know. Also, if your signs worsen or you obtain brand-new signs, tell your carrier.
Key points about whiplash
Whiplash injury is poorly understood, yet usually entails the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in your neck.
It is triggered by the neck bending by force onward and afterward in reverse, or vice versa.
Many whiplash injuries take place if you are associated with a rear-end car crash.
Your healthcare provider will figure out details therapy for your whiplash.
