Whiplash Syndrome

The most frequent abnormalities are: Lumbosacral transitional anomalies Scoliosis Hyperyphosis Hyperlordosis Rectification Spondylolysis Spondylolisthesis Vertebral arthritis Facet arthritis Spinal stenosis Fissure, protrusion and disc herniation Postoperative fibrosis Dislocation of the coccyx Atlantoaxial Dislocation Sprain Whiplash Syndrome

What it is

This is the cervical injury caused by the successive flexing and sudden and excessive stretching of the neck. This combination may cause a cervical sprain in the flexing stage and, above all, an injury in the facetary joint in the spine during the stretching phase.

it is usually due to a car accident in which a frontal collision takes place. The frontal impact causes an excessive flexing of the neck followed immediately by its full extension provoked by the reactive force. Furthermore, all this takes place very quickly, not allowing time for the muscles to perform their protective role.

In the past, the stretch in the neck could be so excessive that it could lead to several fractures in cervical vertebrae or even affection of the spine and death. Modern cars are equipped with head rests deliberately designed to restrict the range of neck extension and thus avoid such a risk.

Symptoms

Cervical whiplash causes intense localized pain in the neck area, with musuclar contracture and painful restriction of mobility. Vertigo and a feeling of instability may also ensue, as well as referred pain to the back of the neck or the arm.

Risks

There are no risks threatening life or functionality, but pain may become chronic.

Diagnosis

This is usually made based on medical history and a physical examination. The X-ray only serves to discard the existence of fractures or dislocations in the cervical vertebrae.

Treatment

At a first stage, the same treatments indicated for common back pain may be applied. There are many treatments, , and those which have proven effective are combined according to progressive guidelines.

Initially, the use of medication is usually sufficient, or the performance of a neuroreflexotherapy intervention, should pain persist despite medication for more than 14 days.

The cervical whiplash which causes an important affection of the facetary joint is one of the specific indications for rhizolysis, which consists of the destruction of nerves in the joint to prevent these from transmitting pain. Before beginning this process, the method described in the appropriate section must be used to confirm that this is indeed the origin of the pain and that such a procedure will be effective. On the other hand, it is possible that the effect of rhizolysis is transitory and it may be necessary to repeat it in the future.