Whiplash

Whiplash is the injury associated with the neck as a consequence of an injury to the soft tissues (ligaments, tendons or muscles) following an accidental movement or force applied to the neck thus causing the neck to move past its regular angle of motion. Any sudden and unexpected rough movement of the can cause whiplash. Road accidents or any blow to the neck during sports or assault are likely to cause whiplash.

Symptoms of whiplash occur gradually after the injury. The neck pain is likely to be acute. There may be swelling in the neck and muscle spasms. Headache accompanied with dizziness, buzzing noise in the ears and at times hazy vision are symptoms of whiplash. In rare cases, there is loss of function relating to the neck.

Depending on the severity of the case treatment can either be at home or with the help of a doctor. Applying ice on the affected part will bring down the swelling and the pain. Do not apply ice directly on the skin as this might lead to frostbite; use a towel or some cloth in between the ice and your skin. You can use a pain reliever to help reduce the pain, in case of continuing pain consult your doctor.

The physician may suggest neck massages and heat therapy. Bed rest is needed for acute cases. A cervical collar is suggested to minimize the motion of the neck. Minimal activity or nil activity for the neck is suggested till it heals thoroughly. Whiplash is an unpredictable condition and can occur to anybody, all you can do is try and prevent the condition. Suggested below are few prevention norms:

• The seat headrest should be at the appropriate height while driving, the upper tips of your ears should coincide with mid-headrest.
  
• Wear your seat belts while driving.
  
• Ensure you keep your neck safe while taking part in any sport involving physical contact.
  
• Learn to position your neck correctly and never use your neck as a stand.
  

Rheumatism

Rheumatism is a term used to refer to a host of disorders dealing with the joints and connective tissues. Major rheumatic disorders include Osteoarthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, Rheumatoid arthritis and neck pain. Rheumatism can affect adults and adolescents. Rheumatic disorders cause chronic pain and are not easy to treat. Painkillers are prescribed to alleviate the pain associated with rheumatism. Other associated symptoms are stiffness of affected joints, soreness and worsening of pain in conditions of humidity and rains. There might be periods of relief and then flare ups called rheumatic attack. The affected joints become red and swell up and turn red and warm. Usually movement increases the pain.

Cervical Spondylitis

Neck pain that affects the cervical spin is called cervical spondylitis. This pain can spread to the rear of the neck, both sides of the shoulder, collar bone and shoulder joints. It restricts neck movement and the arms become motionless due to weakness in muscles.

Spondylitis symptoms

• Inflammation of the spine and other joints
  
• Back pain
  
• Hip pain
  
• Leg pain
  
• Spinal deformity
  
• Bowel incontinence
  
• Bladder incontinence
  
• Pain while moving the affected joint
  
• Decreased mobility
  
• Pins and needles or burning/tingling/creeping sensation of the skin in the back, leg and thigh