Whiplash - Neck Injuries

Massage Therapy is a very effective treatment for whiplash or related neck injuries such as neck sprain or neck strain.

Oct 8, 2006

Whether you have been in a car accident or have a sports injury, here's what you should know and what you can do to recover from whiplash or related neck injuries.

Whiplash – Neck Injuries

If you have ever been in a car accident, particularly a rear-end collision, one of the most common injuries you could sustain is whiplash. Like the lash of a whip, the neck is susceptible to injury as a result of the whipping motion. When the neck and head are forcibly whipped forward on impact, and then forcibly whipped back, there is a possibility of damage to the soft tissues, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Severe whiplash can also injure the inter-vertebral joints of the spine, discs, cervical muscles and nerve roots.

Neck Sprain or Neck Strain

The term, neck sprain is used when a ligament is injured. There are seven bones (in your spinal column) in your neck called cervical vertebrae. These bones are connected to each other by ligaments, which are very strong bands of tissue. When the neck is moved in an extreme position, it is possible to over-stretch or tear the ligament.

The term, neck strain is used when there is injury to the muscle or tendon. Like ligaments, if muscles are stretched too far, or if they are stretched while contracting, it is possible to tear or over-stretch the neck muscles and/or tendons.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Typically, neck pain is experienced immediately following impact. In the case of neck sprain, pain can often occur several days later. Other common symptoms of whiplash may include:

Whiplash is treatable and most symptoms will resolve over time; however, early intervention is key to a speedy recovery. If left untreated, pain and discomfort may become chronic and could affect the quality of your life, so be sure to consult with your physician and massage therapist immediately following a whiplash injury.

Treatment of Whiplash

Cervical Collar – while a neck brace can support the head and take pressure off the neck, tt is important to only wear a cervical collar for short periods of time and only as recommended by your physician. Long term use can weaken neck muscles.

Medication - anti-inflammatory and pain medication may be prescribed by your physician.

Ice – apply ice or a cold pack to the neck for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Do not apply ice directly to your skin.

Heat – heat can help to relax tight or injured muscles. Heat should only be applied where there is no swelling or inflammation.

Massage – massage therapy is one of the most effective therapies for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system. Massage therapy can help relax the muscles, increase and maintain range of motion, decrease stress and tension, increase circulation, and prevent and breakdown scar tissue formation.

Chiropractic - Chiropractic treatments can also help return movement to restricted spinal joints and to improve the overall mechanics of the spine.

You might also want to try some simple self massage techniques to help you feel better. Remember to always consult with your family physician before you initiate or change your treatment plan.

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