Neck Injuries

Whiplash is a commonly used term encompassing neck injuries ranging from hyperextension injuries to cervical sprain. The most common cause of whiplash injury is a car collision but similar damages to the muscles, soft tissues and ligaments may also occur due to other incidents such as falls or slips or frequent jerking movements while playing or running.

Literally, millions of accidents causing whiplash injuries take place every year in any part of the world. Some of them include only the passenger cars while others can also involve public transport vehicles like buses, cabs and taxis. With such a large number of people travelling on roads today, the chances of suffering from whiplash accidents have increased manifolds. A common myth is that whiplash may only take place during high speed collisions. But the fact is that serious collisions can even happen when the car is driving at a slow speed. Wearing seat belts can be helpful in avoiding these injuries to a great extent but then also, these injuries can take place at times.

Some of the common types of neck injuries include muscle spasms, muscle strain, stinger and fracture. Lack of balanced stretch and strength exercise regime may lead to muscle spasms in most of us or may be caused due to injuries, postural problems or overuse. Muscle strain is caused due to a strong and sudden jerk, overuse or too much tension such as lifting heavy weight. A stinger injury affects the nerves of arms and neck. As far as fracture is concerned, a neck fracture is a very serious issue and needs immediate medical attention.
If you have recently faced a bus or car accident, then you should notice whiplash symptoms in your neck area which may include persistent headache, stiff neck, tenderness in neck muscles, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in moving the head, neck, back or shoulders pain and burning sensations. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then it is wise to seek medical advice immediately. The good thing is that any kind of whiplash injury can be treated and reversed and you may see a large number of people wearing supportive cervical collars for many weeks. Heat therapy, physical therapy and muscle relaxants are also helpful in treating neck injuries. But in severe cases, it may even involve brain damage, spinal cord damage and intervertebral disc damage. These cases may be treated with extensive medical procedures such as surgeries. Identifying the symptoms earlier can easily help in treating permanent injury and full recovery.