Whiplash (Cervical Sprain)
What is whiplash?
It occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards (or forwards then backwards) in a whip-like movement, or is suddenly forcibly rotated.
Mechanism of injury
The most common MOI is car accidents when someone is rear-ended causing the person's head to jolt forwards and backwards very quickly. This can damage joints and can also cause the muscles and ligaments of the neck to be overstretched.
Structures Involved
- cervical spine
- transverse process
- spinous process
Signs & Symptoms
- tenderness
- headaches
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- pain in then jaw or when swallowing
- unusual sensations of the of the facial skin
Treatment
- physician evaluation ASAP to rule out possibility of fracture, dislocation, or disk injury
- RICE is used for 48-72 hours while the injury is in acute stage of healing
- 2-3 days of bed rest if injury is severe
Rehab
- Cyrotherapy or heat and massage
- should wear soft cervical collar and be taught to hold head in good alignment
- ice pack (5-15 mins)
- ice massage (7 mins)
- active stretching (2-3 times daily)
If not treated, injury can lead to...
- affected spinal joints
- long term neck issues and pain
- gastric issues