What is Whiplash Injury and its Relation to Spinal Issues?

What is Whiplash injury? Basically, whiplash is a neck injury that is mainly caused by forceful and sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck that mimics the cracking of a whip. Whiplash is majorly caused by rear-end car accidents. However, sports injuries fall, or physical abuse could also cause this neck injury. Patients with this injury usually experience:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Occipital headache
• Thoracic back pain or lumbar back pain
• Upper limb pain
• Paraesthesia (abnormal tingling sensation)

How does Whiplash Occurs?

If you are seated at the back of a car and a rear-end collision happens, your neck is subjected to sudden violent backward (hyperextension) and forward (hyperflexion) movements that affect the structures within the neck. Due to this, the normal curve of the upper back and neck is affected while the muscles and ligaments in these parts become overstretched. And this type of injury is what is known as a whiplash injury.

Other causes include horseback riding, cycling accidents, falls, or blows to the head with a heavy object.

Types of Whiplash Injury

There are four major types of whiplash injuries, which are:

1. Muscle injury – this happens when your head snaps backward and overstretches your neck muscles. This could cause tenderness and swell in the neck and shoulder muscles.
2. Nerve injury – nerves stretch together with the neck and shoulder muscles. Nerve damages, such as pinched nerves, occur mainly if your head was turned during the impact. Other causes include improperly positioned headrest, poor quality headrest, and having no headrest in place.
3. Joint injury – the joints present in the cervical vertebrae are responsible for the smooth movement of your neck. When these joints are injured, neck stiffness and pain are experienced. Apart from the neck, pain could be transferred to the shoulders and arms.
4. Disc injury – discs present between your vertebrae assume the role of shock absorbers as well as structures that prevent the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. Whiplash injuries may cause bulging, herniating, and rupturing of the discs. This injury could result in nerve irritation as the discs are locations through which sensitive nerves enter and leave the spinal cord.

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash Injury

The signs and symptoms of whiplash injury are usually experienced a few days after the injury. These symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Extreme pain when moving the neck
• Difficulty in swallowing and chewing
• Abnormal burning or tingling sensation
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder, arms, or upper back
• Muscle spasm
• Leg weakness
• Arm weakness or numbness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Some individuals may experience:

• Blurred vision
• Insomnia
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• Depression

Classification of Whiplash-Associated Disorders

Whiplash injuries are categorized into Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) grades zero to four in terms of the severity of the signs and symptoms.

Grade 0 – at this grade, there are neither complaints nor physical signs.

Grade 1 – at this grade, there are neck complaints but are no physical signs.

Grade 2 – at this grade, there are neck complaints as well as musculoskeletal signs.

Grade 3 and 4 – at this grade, there are neck complaints as well as neurological signs.

Also, read A guide through Mumps, causes and prevention, here.

The Relationship between Whiplash Injury Related and Spinal Issues

At grades 0, 1, and 2, the injuries are simply whiplash injuries. However, in grade 3 and 4, the injuries are classified as traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. Whiplash injuries could be noticed hours or days after the accident. If untreated, whiplash injuries could cause serious spinal issues, such as:

• Stiffness and loss of motion – untreated whiplash can cause degenerative disc disease, which will cause pain, weakness, and numbness due to pinched nerves.
• Spinal fracture – while tending to whiplash injury, a spinal fracture may not be noticeable, which could impede motion in the long turn.
• The narrowing of the cervical spinal canal due to this injury could increase the risk of spinal cord damage.

Risk Factors for Severe Injury

As every injury there are few risk factors attached to even the whiplash injury, based on its categorization, some are classified here –

High Risk Factors

• 65 years of age or over
• Extreme paraesthesia
• Fatal injuries such as a fall from five stairs, vehicle collision at 100 km/h or more, or bicycle collision

Low Risk Factors

• Delayed onset of neck pain
• Simple rear-end motor vehicle collision
• Ability to sit and walk
• Absence of tenderness at the midline cervical spine

Psychological Effects of Whiplash Injury

Whether a minor or major crash, it can be distressing. For that reason, there are always psychological repercussions related to this injury. Some of these effects include:

• Forgetfulness
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Fear of driving
• Frequent accident flashbacks

If psychological issues persist, visiting a psychologist will help you get back on track. With a few treatment sessions, you will be able to overcome your fears and move forward from this event.

Whiplash Diagnosis

Whiplash injuries affect discs, ligaments, and muscles, which are not visible through standard X-rays. For this reason, your doctor will request specialized imaging tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scans.

Whiplash Treatment

There are multiple treatments for whiplash injuries advised by the experts. Some of these treatments include:

1. Ice application – in the first 24 hours, applying a cold pack is beneficial in reducing cramping and inflammation if used for 10 to 15 minutes after every few hours.
2. Alternate between hot and cold compress after 24 to 48 hours.
3. Cervical collar – this soft supportive collar helps to maintain the normal curve of the neck. This collar is usually worn for about three days to a week as wearing it for longer could weaken the neck.
4. Gentle active movement – this is important for the healing process. Here, you are required to move your head gently as long as it is comfortable after 24 hours.
5. Use of NSAIDs – these are to be prescribed by a doctor. Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen are essential, especially in the first week post-injury.
6. Use of muscle relaxing medications.

Prevention Tips

While driving:

• Ensure to wear your seatbelt correctly and constantly
• Ensure your headrest is well positioned and not too low
• Do not drive in an overly reclined position
• Do not drive too close to other vehicles
• Drive a big car

While playing sports:

• Always wear appropriate gear when participating in sports
• Indulge in strengthening exercises
• Play using the correct technique to avoid injuries

Even after practicing these preventive measures, accidents are inevitable. If you have experienced whiplash injury and are still battling with neck pain, joint pain, or stiffness, it is time to contact a spine surgeon in Mission Viejo CA. The surgeon will conduct a detailed diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs. With the right treatment, you will be on your way to recovery.

Disclaimer

The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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