​If you have ever been in a car crash and Developed pain in your neck, you have most likely had whiplash. Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs due to your neck being suddenly moved on Impact. It is usually caused by sudden backward movement of the neck and forward movement of the neck. This type of injury is often the result of rear-end car crashes, but can also occur in case of a side Impact. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Most people experience neck pain usually immediately after the injury or shortly afterwards. The symptoms experienced are:
  • Neck stiffness
  • Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
  • Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion)
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness (could indicate injury to the esophagus and larynx)
  • Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesia)
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain
Diagnosis of Whiplash
Although whiplash usually only causes damage to the soft tissues of the neck, and the physician will diagnose that by Symptoms and Clinical exam yet x-rays of the cervical spine for reference in case of delayed symptoms and to rule out other spinal problems or injuries are usually performed.
Treatment
Fortunately, whiplash is treatable and most symptoms resolve completely. Initially, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar. This collar may need to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks. In addition to following Treatment Modalities:
  • Heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain
  • Pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Range of motion exercises and physical therapy
For most patients, the symptoms of whiplash usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate and adequate Treatment. Patients who continue to have symptoms despite treatment may find temporary relief by keeping the neck immobilized using a halter in the office or at home. This is referred to as cervical traction. Pain management by Local anesthetic injections may also be helpful.
If symptoms continue or worsen after 6 to 8 weeks, further x-rays and other Radiology tests like MRI may be necessary to see if the patient suffered a more severe injury. Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this occurs referral to a specialist is needed and surgical repair of the discs may become necessary.