Physiotherapy,Whiplash Coventry,Injury, Treatment, Nuneaton.

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Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) commonly Known as ”Whiplash” or Neck Pain. Inflammatory Diseases, Severe Injuries, Cervical Disc Degeneration, When Should You Seek Medical Care? What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). Neck Pain Diagnosis,

Non specific term, Stiff neck for limited neck mobility, often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end in the upper torso. The vertebrae along with the ligaments provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and movement of the neck. The neck supports the weight of the head which is 12  lbs amounting to a significant load for the neck to cope with during motion thus increasing stress onto the neck (cervical spine). Compare to the rest of the spine, the neck is less protected and is more susceptible to injury and various disorders that can result in pain and restricted motion. Sometimes neck pain is a temporary condition going away on its own accord. Other cases require medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Cause

Neck pain may result from injury to the soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints of the spine. Soft tissue injuries or prolonged wear and tear are amongst the most common causes of neck pain. Infection or tumours may cause neck pain in rare instances. Sometimes neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Inflammatory Diseases

The vertebral  column. Rheumatoid arthritis involves joints in the neck and may cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the upper neck area.

Cervical Disc Degeneration

Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people aged 40 and older. Disc’s act as shock absorbers between the bones. During cervical disc degeneration the normal gelatine like centre of the disc dries out and the gap between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is imposed onto the joints of the spine exacerbating further wear and degenerative changes. When occurs when cervical disc protrudes due to the weakening of its rim, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Injury

Due to its flexibility and the weight of the head it supports the neck is extremely vulnerable to injury. Road traffic or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls are the main causes of neck injury. A “rear end” shunt during car accident may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyper flexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The use of seat belts and head restrains in cars can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. The soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments are most commonly involved. Severe injuries including fracture or dislocation of the neck may lead to the damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Commonly Known as ”Whiplash”?

“Whiplash” (WAD) injury occurs when the body reacts to sudden deceleration or acceleration force causing hyper flexion or hyperextension of the neck.

“Whiplash” (WAD) injuries are associated with car accidents. The whiplash injury is sustained when the muscles of the neck and shoulders do not have enough time to brace and hold the head during sudden acceleration or deceleration force application, leading to injuries of the muscles, ligaments, capsule of the facet joints and discs of cervical spine.

Uncomplicated cases

“Whiplash” (WAD) cases that are uncomplicated are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck. The muscles spasm naturally to form a protective mechanism for the neck. The “whiplash”(WAD) injury may cause a stiff neck and pain may be present down one or both arms if the nerve roots of cervical part of spinal cord get compressed. Relief for “whiplash” (WAD) can be found with  physiotherpy therapy or pain medication.

  

Severe cases

In severe cases of “whiplash” (WAD) may last for a month or more with persistent and in some cases constant pain. This may indicate that the whiplash injury has extensive damage and resulting in disc’s rupturing and trapped nerves in the neck. This may also predispose to a “slipped”, ruptured or herniated disc in the back.

(See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Other Causes of neck pain

Tumours, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae are less common causes of neck pain.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Cases of severe neck pain occur following an injury such as motor vehicle accident, blow to the head or fall related accident. Only a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:

·         Continuous and persistent

·         Severe

·         Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

·         Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Diagnosis

Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain.

Further evaluation may involve the following:

·         MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non x-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

·         CT (computed tomography). This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.

·         EMG (electromyography). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.

Treatment

The treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis. Most patients are treated successfully with Physiotherapy Treatment. Also rest, medication, immobilization, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods can be very useful.

Inflammation is a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, (See also Cold Laser Therapy under conditions treated; this therapy is extremely affective in the treatment of inflammation). Surgery is required in very few cases to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of Physiotherapy treatment, rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis, such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.

For further in depth information on  “neck pain”, please go to top left corner under “Pain’ or ‘Conditions”.