Brain-Cervical+whiplash

=What is whiplash?=

Whiplash is a nonmedical term used to describe [|neck pain] following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck (specifically ligaments, tendons, and muscles). It is caused by an abnormal motion or force applied to your neck that causes movement beyond the neck's normal [|range of motion]//.// =__//How do you get whiplash?//__=

Whiplash happens in motor vehicle accidents, sporting activities, accidental falls, and assault. Most people will get whiplash in a sporting event when they are hit in the head, neck or upper body while not moving causing applies force to the neck which will move it out of its normal range of motion. > involvement with pain down the arm)
 * Head turned one way or the other at the time of the impact (increases risk of nerve
 * Getting hit from behind (rear-impact collision)
 * Previous neck pain or headaches
 * Previous similar injury
 * Being unaware of the impending impact
 * Poor posture at the time of impact (head, neck, or chest bent forward)
 * Poor position of the headrest or no headrest
 * Crash speed //under// 10 mph
 * Being in the front seat as opposed to sitting in the back seat of the car
 * Collision with a vehicle larger than yours
 * Being of slight build
 * Wearing a seatbelt (a seat belt should always be worn, but at lower speeds, a lap and shoulder type seat belt will increase the chances of injury)



=//__Symptons of Whiplash__//=

These signs and symptoms may occur immediately or minutes to hours after the initial injury; the sooner after the injury that symptoms develop, the greater the chance of serious damage. Neck pain, neck swelling, tenderness along the back of your neck, muscle spasms ( in the side or back of your neck), difficulty moving yout neck around, headace, pain shooting from your neck into either shoulder or arm content of your page here.

=__Treatment of Whiplash__= The most important issue in the management of whiplash is optimal education of the patient about their injury. This includes information on the cause, potential treatments, and likely outcomes. Patients should understand that this is a real injury, but that nearly all patients have the ability to fully recover. Patients that do not receive this information are much more likely to develop the more chronic "whiplash associated disorder." X-rays Magnetic, resonance imaging (MRI), Computed tomography (CT), Digital motion x-ray (DMX), Myelogram Bone Scan Electromyogram

Homer Simpsons X-ray

=Prevention of Whiplash=

While it is not always possible to prevent accidents, advances in automobile safety have attempted to reduce the associated risks. Many advances in seat belts and head restraints have been able to reduce the risk of whiplash injury. The proper use of these devices is crucial to their success in preventing injury. Head restraints are designed to prevent the head from moving into hyperextension when struck from behind. In order for this to work properly, the head restraint should be optimally positioned directly behind the head. If the head restraint is lowered below the level of the head it could actually force the head into further hyperextension after an impact. Many automobiles have additional safety equipment including air bags and air curtains to further protect drivers and passengers from injury. The best way to prevent injuries during sports is to wear the proper equipment and have good conditioning.

=__**Therapy or Rehabiliation**__= Depending on how servere the injuire is to your neck will determine the length at which you willl have to attend therapy. Most whiplash patience are on going to therapy for two-three weeks. After treatment the main goal is to try and do less stressful work on your body so the neck is not strained. = =