Whiplash
is the injury to the vertebral column from sudden hyperextension
or hyperflexion forces. Causes of whiplash include
- Motor
Vehicle Accidents
- Sports
injuries
- Falls
- Occupational
accidents
- Fights
- Diving
accidents
- "Battered
baby syndrome"
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The
cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. These are the
bones of the spine. Their role is to support and protect the spinal
cord. The facet joints provide a mobile link between
each vertebra. Similar to other joints, they can wear down and
become irritated. Intervertebral discs sit between each
vertebra. The disc is made up of 2 parts: annulus(outer
ring) and nucleus pulpous(center). The disc’s main
function is shock absorption. The spinal cord gives out nerve
roots at each level of the spine. The nerve roots are
responsible for carrying information between the brain and the
upper extremity. The vertebral artery is a branch from
the subclavian artery. It passes from C6 toC1. The function of
the vertebral artery is to supply the cervical segment of the
spinal cord and approximately 2/5 of the brain. It’s branches
in the cervical spine supply the spinal cord, the vertebrae and
the muscles. |
| Types
of Possible Injuries |
A whiplash
injury can involve various structures;
| Soft
tissue:
Strain or tear of tendons, muscles, fascia, discs, or joint
capsule. |
| Bone:
Fracture(s) of the vertebrae. |
| Ligament:
The subluxation or dislocation of the facet joint(s) due to
unstable ligament(s). |
| Spinal
cord:
Stretching, compression or transection. |
| Vertebral
artery:
Stretching, compression or tear. |
Headaches
and TMJ injuries are also very common with whiplash injuries.
Caution
: Should you experience any of these signs or symptoms, please seek
prompt medical attention:
- Dizziness
- Drop
attacks
- Difficulty
with speech
- Difficulty
swallowing
- Double
vision
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Depending
on the extent of your injury, your doctor may order certain tests.
Here are a few: |
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X-Rays
- Show
bones of the lumbar spine
- May
show degenerative changes
- Do
not show most soft tissue structures
- Usually
the starting point for tests
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CAT
scan
(Computer Assisted Tomography)
-
X-ray
slices or cuts taken at specific levels which are computer
enhanced
-
Allows
you to view bones and soft tissue
-
Used
to clearly define complicated bone injury
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MRI(Magnetic
Resonance Imaging)
- Uses
magnetic waves to obtain images of bone and soft tissue
- Shows
nerves and discs very clearly
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EMG(Electromyogram)
- Tests
the nerve roots
- Consists
of inserting tiny electrodes into different muscle groups
- Can
determine the condition of the nerve that supplies those muscle
groups
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| How
Can a Physiotherapist Help Me? |
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Your
physiotherapist will take your detailed medical history. Then he or
she will conduct a thorough physical examination, testing the quality
and quantity of your cervical movement and strength, and perform a
neurological scan including reflexes, key muscle and sensation
testing. Your
physiotherapist will also asses ligament stability
and the vertebral artery when indicated.
Your
physiotherapist will explain the findings of the examination with you
and design an appropriate treatment plan for you. Depending on your
condition, your treatment plan may include:
- The
use of a soft collar (acute phase)
- Manual
therapy to improve movement
- Electro
modalities to decrease pain and promote healing
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- Hot
or cold therapy
- Strengthening
exercises
- Stretching
exercises
- Education
on mechanics, posture and injury prevention
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