What is Whiplash? |
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Whiplash-a soft tissue injury to the neck-is also
called neck sprain or neck strain. It is characterized by a collection of
symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of
sudden extension and flexion. The disorder commonly occurs as the result
of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints,
discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots.
Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include neck stiffness, injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries), headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (paresthesias), or shoulder or back pain. In addition, some people experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such as memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression.
What is the prognosis?
Generally, prognosis for individuals with whiplash is
good. The neck and head pain clears within a few days or weeks. Most
patients recover within 3 months after the injury, however, some may
continue to have residual neck pain and headaches.
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