| This type of injury is most common in car | | | | damage was caused. However, nowadays the |
| accidents, where the victim is exposed to | | | | common approach is for the victim to be |
| very quick deceleration, although it can | | | | encouraged to attempt movement as early as |
| occur in other types of circumstances, for | | | | possible in the recovery programme, and keep |
| example sporting accidents. Symptoms of a | | | | the neck free from any collars/support braces |
| whiplash injury can include headaches, stiff | | | | to allow this. Full recovery is likely to |
| necks/back of head, and general pain around | | | | happen faster where the victim tries to |
| the neck area. This is caused by a tightening | | | | resume their normal routine, including neck |
| of the muscles around the injured tissue, as | | | | exercises, as soon as they can, and staying |
| the body reacts to the injury by trying to | | | | active whilst avoiding any activities (such |
| limit movement in the affected area. | | | | as sports) which could lead to further |
| Generally, these symptoms will disappear a | | | | aggravation of the injury. Ice packs should |
| month or two after diagnosis and treatment, | | | | be applied at an early stage, combined with |
| but in some cases the symptoms can last much | | | | regular doses (at specified intervals) of |
| longer, especially if medical attention is | | | | painkillers/anti inflammatory such as |
| not sought straight away. Other symptoms can | | | | ibuprofen. Massages and physiotherapy session |
| range from nausea and dizziness, to | | | | may also be useful, along with any specific |
| difficulty in swallowing and numbness | | | | exercises advised by the doctor. Treatment |
| tingling. Lower back pain, ringing sounds in | | | | can depend on a number of case-specific |
| the ears, fatigue and even mental problems | | | | factors, for example the age of the victim, |
| such as a lack of concentration can are all | | | | their overall health, and even personal |
| problems victims can experience through a | | | | preference; some sufferers may prefer not to |
| whiplash injury. | | | | wear a brace as it would restrict their |
| | | | everyday activities. Doctors will take this |
| There can often be problems with the | | | | into account before deciding how best to |
| diagnosis of whiplash injuries, due to the | | | | treat each individual. |
| fact that soft tissue damage does not show up | | | | |
| on normal x-rays and scans, and so doctors | | | | Severe cases of a whiplash injury may go |
| often make their diagnosis based on the pain | | | | unnoticed by the medical staff treating the |
| felt by the victim and the way in which the | | | | victim at first, however if any of the afore |
| whiplash injury occurred. | | | | mentioned symptoms persist, it is important |
| | | | to go back to the hospital/doctor for further |
| Whiplash injuries are relatively | | | | check ups, as it may mean that there is more |
| straightforward to treat, and rarely require | | | | serious damage to the spine, most probably |
| surgery. Standard procedure used to involve | | | | concerned with one or more vertebral discs, |
| the victim wearing a 'soft collar' or neck | | | | and such injuries will require surgery to |
| brace, in order to minimalise movement, | | | | fix. |
| increase stability and make sure no further | | | | |