Neck strain is frequently referred to as whiplash. Although it is commonly connected with car accidents, neck strain can occur from any hit or blow that causes your head to move forward or backward. Your neck's muscles and tendons are stretched and torn as a result of the unexpected impact.
Many amateur and professional athletes suffer from neck pain. People who participate in contact sports, such as football, are more prone to neck strain.
Neck strains and neck sprains are frequently confused. They're not the same. Neck strains are caused by muscle or tendon injury, which are bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Neck sprains are caused by tearing of the ligaments, which are the tissues that link the bones.
However, the distinctions between these strains and sprains are unlikely to be significant to you. Neck sprains and neck strains frequently have the same causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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| Whiplash and Neck Strain |
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash?
Whiplash pain is often difficult to ignore. Among the symptoms are:
- Pain, limited range of motion, and neck tightness Muscles may feel tight or knotty.
- When rocking your head from side to side or backward and forward, you may experience pain.
- When moving your head to gaze over each shoulder, you may experience pain or stiffness.
- Tenderness.
- Headaches radiating from the base of the skull to the brow.
The pain of a neck strain can be excruciating at times. In certain circumstances, it may take several hours or days for your neck to start hurting.
The strike that causes neck strain can also result in a concussion. Because concussions can be dangerous, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. If you experience a headache that worsens or persists, have weakness or difficulty speaking, or are confused, dizzy, nauseous, excessively sleepy, or unconscious, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination to determine neck strain. To rule out other problems, you may need X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, and other procedures.
What Is the Whiplash Treatment?
The good news is that whiplash should recover on its own over time. You should do the following to aid recovery:
- As soon as possible after the incident, apply ice to your neck to relieve pain and swelling. For 2-3 days, do it for 15 minutes every 3-4 hours. Wrap the ice in a small towel or cloth to protect your skin.
- Take pain relievers or other medications as prescribed by your doctor. Pain can be relieved with medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These medications, however, may have negative effects. Never use them on a regular basis unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. If you are taking any other medications or have any medical issues, consult your doctor before taking them. If over-the-counter drugs are ineffective, prescription pain relievers and muscle relaxants may be required.
- If your doctor advises it, use a neck brace or collar to provide additional support. They are not, however, suggested for long-term use because they can weaken the muscles in your neck.
- Apply moist heat to your neck only after it has been iced for at least 2-3 days. Apply heat to your neck only after the initial swelling has subsided. Take a warm bath or use warm, wet towels.
- Other therapies, such as ultrasound and massage, may also be beneficial.
When Will My Whiplash Go Away?
The length of recovery depends on the severity of your whiplash. Most instances are resolved within a few days. Other neck strains, on the other hand, may take weeks or even months to heal. Keep in mind that everyone heals at a different pace.
Once the immediate symptoms of neck strain have subsided, your doctor will most likely advise you to begin rehabilitation. This will strengthen and limber your neck muscles. It will aid in your recovery and lessen your chances of straining your neck again in the future.
Begin with gentle stretching exercises and progress to more difficult ones as you improve. However, do not begin exercising without first consulting with your doctor.
Whatever you do, don't be in a hurry. People who participate in contact sports must take extra care to ensure that they are fully healed before returning to play. When you are ready, your doctor will give you the go-ahead to continue your activity. Do not attempt to resume your previous level of physical activity until you are able to:
- Examine both shoulders for pain or stiffness.
- You should be able to rock your head forth and back without experiencing any pain or stiffness.
- Without pain or stiffness, rock your head from side to side.
If you continue to push yourself before your neck strain has healed, you may develop chronic neck pain and irreparable harm.
How Can I Avoid Whiplash?
Of course, there isn't much you can do to avoid whiplash caused by an accident. However, there are some things you can do to boost your chances:
- Strengthening exercises should be performed to keep your neck muscles strong and limber, especially if you have previously had neck strain.
- People who sit in the same position all day, such as office employees, should stretch and exercise their necks on a regular basis.
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