Neck Sprains

(Whiplash)

A neck sprain, commonly referred to as whiplash, is a condition in which the ligaments that link the vertebrae are stretched or torn.

Symptoms:

Ø  Immediate pain on one side of the neck.

Ø  Pain usually diminishes within thirty minutes, after which time a dull ache develops, worsening into a sharp pain.

Ø  Pain may radiate into the shoulders, upper arms, shoulder blades, or the jaw.

Ø  Spasm in the neck muscles.

Ø  Limitation of head movement.

Ø  Headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and mild nausea are common.

Causes:

Ø  A single violent impact that forces the neck into an extreme position.

Patients at risk:

Ø  Neck spasms are most common following motor vehicle accidents and in athletes in contact sports and activities with a potential for falling accidents.

What you can do:

Ø  Apply RICE (Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevation) and seek medical attention.

Medication:

Ø  For relief of minor to moderate pain, take acetaminophen as directed on the label, or for the relief of pain and inflammation, ibuprofen or aspirin if tolerated.

What the doctor can do:

Ø  Take x-rays to rule out a fracture, dislocation, or disc injury.

Ø  Perform a neurological examination to rule out a spinal cord nerve root injury.

Ø  Prescribe icing for 48 to 72 hours.

Ø  For severe injuries, recommend bedrest for two to three days, in combination with analgesics and anti-inflammatories.

Rehabilitation:

Ø  Range of motion exercises should start as soon as possible and, ideally, as soon as pain diminishes, usually within 48 to 72 hours.

Ø  Ten days to two weeks may be necessary before conditioning can begin.

Recovery Time:

Ø  Depending on the severity, neck spasms may take anywhere from a few days to several months to recover fully.  The sooner a patient returns to his/her normal activity level, the faster recovery and function will return.