Whiplash Whiplash is an injury to the cervical
vertebrae and adjacent soft tissues. Most whiplash injuries occur when a motor
vehicle is struck from behind, causing the occupant's body to thrust forward as
the head snaps back and then forward until the chin strikes the chest.
The most common form of whiplash injury is neck strain that results in
temporary pain and stiffness. The pain may not appear until several days after
the accident. Then the pain may gradually intensify, moving to the back of the
head, chest muscles and one or both shoulders and upper arms. The neck typically
feels tender, swollen and hurts when turned from side to side. Some people also
experience muscle spasms.
The mildest cases of whiplash improve after a few days when treated with rest
and aspirin or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Other
measures may be needed if the neck pain is constant, muscle spasms occur when
the head is turned, or pain and spasms have spread to the shoulder and upper
arm.
Most people with severe injury will heal, although it may take time. Some
will feel twinges of neck pain or weakness when they are tired. Others may
experience periodic flare-ups of pain that will subside with exercise. The
likelihood of recovery is increased when you receive a comprehensive evaluation
from a physician following the accident and adhere to your physician's program
of treatment and exercise.
Fractures A back fracture - whether it is
a burst, compression or wedge fracture - involves the vertebrae of the
spine. The injury may result from osteoporosis, a malignant tumor or from
trauma or injury to the back. The fracture may result in back pain and
cause the patient to bend forward. A spinal x-ray will show the fracture.
An orthopaedic trauma or oncology specialist, or neurologist will want to
examine the x-ray and function of the patient to rule out any chance of spinal
cord damage or a malignancy. Generally, under the supervision of a back care
specialist, these fractures will respond to bracing, rest and medication to
relieve the pain, and will heal within six to eight weeks.
