About this topic
Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when the neck is strained from a sudden movement of the head. This sudden forceful head jerk causes overstretching of the muscles and tendons of the neck. Whiplash most often is caused by car crashes, falls, sports injuries, or assaults. Whiplash may be treated with drugs, therapy, and limiting movement of the neck. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may tell you to wear a neck splint or neck collar. Keep this in place. Take it off only when your doctor tells you to.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Keep on for 20 minutes every hour. Do this for the next 24 hours. This can help neck pain and swelling.
- Get lots of rest. Use a pillow that will support your neck when you lie down.
- Your doctor may teach you how to do gentle neck exercises. Do them as told by your doctor.
- Try not to look down or bend your head from side to side. When you need to look at someone or something behind you, turn your whole body.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you are wearing a neck splint, spinal brace, or neck collar, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax your neck muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may need to rest for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better.
- Ask your doctor when you may drive or return to work.
What problems could happen?
- Pain does not get better
- Headaches
- Memory problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear your seatbelt when driving or riding in a car.
- Be careful with sports like football, soccer, rugby, skateboarding, or doing other activities that may put you at risk of neck injury. Wear proper padding and safety gear.
- Adjust the head rests in your car so they will protect your head from jerking back.
- Use a neck pillow for travel, such as in an airplane.
- Use a high back chair to protect your neck and back. Practice good posture when you work at a table or in front of a computer.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Headaches get worse
- Trouble with memory
- Dizziness or passing out
- Problems with your eyesight
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling of the arms, hands, and legs
- You are not feeling better in 2 or 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more headaches or numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in my arms, legs, or hands.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚