By EKalman December 15, 2023 - 7:57am

Whiplash is a term that refers to neck hyperextension. This injury can be caused by a sudden backward and forward motion of the neck or by prolonged use.

Neck hyperextension causes damage to the soft tissues and joints of the neck, known as cervical facets, which are located in the cervical area of the spine.

How Does a Whiplash Happen?
Car accidents most typically cause whiplash, although it can also be caused by sports injuries, assault, falls, or persistent neck strain. According to this scholarly journal, whiplash can be caused by low-speed automobile collisions.

Some workouts might cause neck hyperextension, which can cause discomfort or immobility over time.

Whiplash Symptoms
Neck hyperextension can express itself in various ways, but the most common symptom is neck pain. This soreness is felt along either side of the spine near the back of the neck (moving the head) when the neck is used for motion. Other common indications and symptoms are as follows:
- Stiffness in the neck;
- Spasms of the muscles;
- Headache;
- Tenderness at the base of the neck;
- Numbness or tingling in the upper body;
- Ache in the neck that spreads down the arm and into the shoulder.

If you have any of these whiplash symptoms after a vehicle accident or other severe impact, visit a doctor right away. A complete diagnosis will reveal whether or not the neck or spine has been damaged.

How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
A physical examination of the neck is used to diagnose neck hyperextension. The doctor will also inquire about the circumstances of the accident that resulted in the injury. If a fracture is suspected, X-rays may be taken.

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) are characterized according to the severity of their signs and symptoms:
- The patient complains of neck stiffness, soreness, or pain;
- The patient's musculoskeletal signs include limited range of motion and point discomfort;
- Sensory abnormalities, muscle weakness, and reduced deep tendon reflexes are among the neurologic symptoms displayed by the patient;
- The patient can see a fracture.

Patients who do not seek medical assistance are at a higher risk of developing chronic whiplash-associated disease.

A soft cervical collar was commonly used as the first therapy for whiplash in the past. The collar's objective was to restrict the range of motion in the neck while also preventing future harm. According to new studies, prolonged immobility impairs the healing process.

If there is no evidence of poor spinal alignment, early range of motion exercises may be prescribed. Patients who engaged in an early range of motion exercises experienced more consistent and rapid relief in their symptoms. These mobilization exercises are designed to improve and maintain flexibility.

Excessive rest and immobility have been related to an increased risk of chronic illness development. This is related to a decrease in range of motion, which produces pain and stiffness. Immobilization also causes muscular atrophy (muscle wasting), a decrease in blood supply to injured soft tissues, and damaged tissue mending in a shorter posture, making it less flexible.

You should also consider the following activities to help in your recovery:
- Ice the neck
As soon as possible after the injury, apply an ice pack to minimize discomfort and swelling. For 2-3 days, do it for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours. To avoid skin discomfort, wrap the ice in a light towel or cloth;

- Alternating hot and cold therapy
Intermittently apply heat pads and ice packs. Each therapeutic approach should be applied to the affected area for no more than 15 minutes;

- Pain relievers or other drugs
Pain and swelling can be relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These medications, however, may have negative effects. They should never be used on a regular basis unless prescribed by a doctor. If you are taking any other medications or have any medical issues, consult a doctor before taking them. If over-the-counter drugs are ineffective, a doctor may prescribe prescription pain relievers and muscle relaxants.

Injections of steroids at the location of the injury have been demonstrated to lessen inflammation and pain associated with WAD.