1. All Encompassing Diagnosis
Whiplash is a very general term used to describe many a different neck injury or symptoms. Most people equate whiplash with a rear-end automobile collision and severe pain in the neck. Although this is the most common cause of whiplash, it can actually be caused by any injury to the ligaments, tendons and muscles of your neck. This injury is caused by any force to your neck that causes movement beyond the normal range of motion.
2. Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of whiplash can occur immediately or hours after the initial injury. The sooner these symptoms appear, the greater chance that a very serious injury has occurred. Some common signs are sharp pains and tenderness in the neck, especially the rear, swelling, spasms, headaches and shooting pains.
3. Why Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Must do to Right Now
If you have incurred such an injury, seek medical help immediately. The longer you wait, the worse off the damage is that you can get; and it may be irreversible. The neck needs to be isolated from movement ASAP. The more moving around you do, the potential for serious additional injury (such as paralysis) is great.
4. Treatment
If you are treated on scene of the accident by EMS responders, they will likely put you in a cervical collar and possibly strap you to a backboard. Many people don't like being restrained in such a fashion, but it is vitally important to do such things to avoid further injury. You will likely get X-rays taken of your neck, and possibly, an MRI at the hospital
5. Recovery
The doctor will likely give you a treatment regimen of hot and cold therapies and physical therapy right after your initial diagnosis. It will likely take weeks, if not months to fully regain normal use of your neck.
