What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a common term that refers to an injury to the neck. But what is whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by sudden movement of the neck muscles. Some of the more common injuries associated with whiplash are: car accidents, bicycle accidents or from falling off a ladder.
Common symptoms of whiplash are an aching neck and back, tingling in the legs and arms and sometimes headaches. These symptoms might not show up until a few days later. X-rays are used to diagnose whiplash.
Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle pain killers are used to ease the discomfort of whiplash. The most common sign of a whiplash victim is the use of a cervical collar which protects the neck from sudden movements.
Therapy is also used extensively for whiplash as well as traction and exercises.
The consequences of whiplash can be a few days of pain to a lifetime of constant pain.
