CHECK-UP:Symptoms of whiplash may not occur until several days after the event, writes MARION KERR
I HAD a minor car accident 10 days ago. Although I was alright at the time I started to get neck pain about five days after the event. A friend has said I might have whiplash but wouldn’t I have known this at the time of the accident?
Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is characterised by a group of symptoms which develop following an injury to the neck. Symptoms may indeed develop at the time of the incident but in some cases they do not appear until several days after the accident.
A whiplash is a soft tissue injury which typically occurs as a result of sudden extension and flexion of the neck.
It is a common disorder associated with car accidents, which can cause injury to the joints between the vertebrae in the neck, the discs between the vertebrae, the muscles and ligaments supporting these structures and the nerves around them.
I’ve also had other symptoms such as dizziness, headache and tiredness since the accident. I was putting these down to delayed shock but could they be related to a whiplash injury?
Other symptoms associated with whiplash include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, poor concentration and irritability. In addition, sleep disturbances, blurred vision and depression may develop.
Stiffness and burning/numb sensations may be experienced in the neck, shoulder or arm while low back, shoulder, arm or hand pain may also be noticed.
Can whiplash be treated or do I just have to wait for it to get better?
You should visit your doctor who may need to confirm the diagnosis with a CT or MRI scan. Treatment will depend on the extent of the injury and the type of symptoms you are experiencing.
Treatment options include the use of medications such as painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. The application of cold packs to the injury site can be used to reduce pain and swelling in the first 24 hours after injury.
After that time, the application of heat is usually recommended.
Although in the past the use of a cervical collar to support the neck was routinely used after a whiplash injury, the current recommendations are to encourage movement of the neck and the early resumption of normal activities.
A course of physiotherapy may speed up recovery.