WHIPLASH

General Information

DEFINITION--Injury to the neck caused when it is whipped backward forcefully--usually in an accident.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Muscles, tendons, disks and nerves in the neck.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

> Pain or stiffness in the front and back of the neck--

either immediately following or up to 24 hours after injury.

• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting (sometimes).

CAUSES--Injury, usually from contact sports or motor-vehicle accidents.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Osteoarthritis of the spine. > Situations that make accidents more likely, such as:

Driving in rainy, icy or snowy weather. "Tail-gaiting" or other poor driving habits. Driving after excess alcohol consumption or use of mind-altering drugs.

HOW TO PREVENT--Use the padded headrests in your auto. These have decreased the frequency and severity of auto whiplash injuries. Drive carefully and defensively. Don't drink or use mind-altering drugs and drive.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-rays of the spine and neurological studies to rule out injury to the spine.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Treatment may involve medications, physical therapy and other supportive therapies.
• Diathermy or ultrasound treatments (See Glossary for both).
• Surgery to remove an injured spinal disk (rare).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Temporary numbness and weakness in the arms, if nerve roots are injured. This may persist until recovery.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 1 week to 3 months with treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Apply ice packs to the injured area for 10 to 20 minutes each hour during the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, use ice packs or heat to relieve pain. Heat may include hot showers twice a day, in which the water beats on your neck and shoulders for 10 to 20 minutes. Between showers, apply hot soaks to the neck, or use a heat lamp several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Try to improve your posture. Pull in your chin and abdomen when sitting or standing. Sit in a firm chair and force your buttocks to touch the chair's back.
• If symptoms are severe, buy and wear a soft, padded, fabric collar (Thomas collar) until pain subsides.
• Sleep without a pillow. Instead, roll a small towel to 2 inches in diameter, or use a cervical pillow or a Thomas collar. Poor sleeping positions delay healing.
• If you have nerve-root pressure, with numbness and weakness in the hand or arm, a cervical-traction apparatus may be recommended. This can be hung over a doorway.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or muscle relaxants (sometimes).
• You may use non-prescription drugs, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY--Depends on the severity of symptoms. During the acute or severe stage, rest as much as possible. As symptoms improve, resume normal activity. Avoid lifting heavy objects.

DIET--No special diet. Avoid alcohol.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have a painful neck injury.
• Pain, numbness, tingling or weakness develops in the arm or face.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.