Whiplash

As internationally recognized leaders in neck and back surgeries, The Bonati Spine Institute understands the reality of whiplash injuries and pain.

If you are suffering from whiplash injuries due to an automobile accident or any other reason, get trusted, proven treatment from neck and back surgery pioneers.



Learn more about whiplash:
Causes of Whiplash
Definition of Whiplash
Symptoms of Whiplash
Treatment for Whiplash

The most common whiplash injuries are due to automobile accidents where a motor vehicle is struck from behind, causing the occupant's body to thrust forward and the head to snap back and then forward until the chin strikes the chest.

This violent motion, which can happen several times in quick succession, inspired the descriptive term "whiplash."

This motion can hyperextend the neck beyond its normal range of motion, damaging muscle, ligaments, and connective tissue—and sometimes other structures as well.

Whiplash is produced by a sudden jerking or backward and forward acceleration of the neck and head. People in a vehicle that is suddenly and forcibly struck from the rear may sustain "whiplash" injuries.

Although some believe that whiplash injuries are routinely exaggerated, researchers say they cause real pain—and sometimes enduring problems—for thousands of people every year.

According to the National Safety Council, neck sprains and strains, the most common forms of whiplash, account for almost 10% of all motor vehicle accidents in which long-term disability occurs. Only the face, head, and knee are more vulnerable to harm in an auto accident.

Researchers have identified a broad spectrum of symptoms associated with whiplash.

The most common symptom of whiplash injury is neck strain that manifests itself as temporary pain and stiffness. One may not feel significant discomfort until several days after the accident. Then the pain may gradually intensify, moving to the back of the head, chest muscles, and one or both of the shoulders and the upper arms.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Hoarseness
• Muscle spasms
• Pain turning head side-to-side
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Tender, swollen neck

More serious whiplash injuries may involve damage to blood vessels, nerves or the discs.

In most cases, soft tissue — mainly muscles and ligaments – cause pain because they have been stretched beyond normal limits. On occasion, they may bleed or even tear.

In a few instances, violent whiplash motion can squeeze the discs of the cervical spine so hard that they herniate and press on a nerve. Spinal vertebrae can also be knocked painfully out of alignment.

The mildest cases of whiplash injury improve after a few days when treated with rest and aspirin or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

Other measures may be needed if the neck pain is constant and persistent, muscle spasms occur as the head is turned, or pain and spasms spread to the shoulder and upper arm.

Some doctors recommend taking it easy during the first two weeks after an accident, but staying in bed is not necessary.

It is appropriate to take short walks and to go to work for a few hours or more each day, if the job does not put much stress on neck and shoulder muscles.

Sports, carrying heavy groceries, and other physically demanding activities should be avoided.

Soft Cervical Collars

Patients are often advised to wear a soft cervical collar with the low section under the chin so that the high back keeps the neck from bending backward. The collar also takes weight off of the muscles.

It should be worn intermittently to reduce dependency and it is especially appropriate for settings where pain is most likely to occur, such as driving or riding in moving vehicles that agitate the neck.

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The Bonati Spine Institute advocates whiplash patients to be well informed. We encourage you to contact us to request a no-obligation MRI review or discussion with one of our medical professionals. Find out why The Bonati Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions for laser spine surgery.