Diagnosis

After accidents, a general examination is carried out, which is not limited to the cervical spine area. First, the doctor will take a medical history to clarify the cause and course of the accident. After a detailed physical examination, follow-up examinations will be performed: Common examinations include imaging procedures such as X-rays or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT). In this way, doctors can gain an overall view of possible concomitant injuries.Since several areas of the body can be injured in an accident, further examinations are carried out if necessary or appropriate symptoms are present, for example of the vessels or nerves. If the symptoms are accompanied by disorders of hearing or vision, these sensory organs are also examined.

Treatment of a whiplash injury

The treatment depends on the structures that have been injured. Depending on how severely the nerves are affected and the resulting movement restrictions, physiotherapy or occupational therapy can be prescribed. If the bony structures or the intervertebral discs are damaged, relieving immobilization, muscle building training or surgical methods are possible therapy options.

If vital structures or organs are injured, an operation must be performed promptly to avoid or minimize permanent damage. Symptom-oriented medications can be prescribed to support this process. It is important to give the injured structures time to heal. An excess of therapy can also have a negative effect on the symptoms.

Exercises and physiotherapy after a whiplash injury

Stretching exercises help against the tension of the neck muscles after whiplash injuries. However, these should only be done after a few days to weeks, depending on the strength of the symptoms and pain of the affected person. Due to the overstretching of the muscles as a result of the accident, the tension of the neck muscles represents a physiological protective mechanism, which may take some time to improve.

Thus, massages directly after the accident are not effective in removing the tension. However, a massage can help relieve pain and is indicated. In the case of prolonged tensions, this measure can also lead to a minimization of the tension.

Proceed slowly with the exercises. To stretch the neck muscles, you can sit down. The stretching is done for as long as it is comfortable or possible for you.

Continue until you feel a stretch. Make sure that your back remains straight during the exercise. The shoulders are pressed down.

The chest points forward.

Pull your chin towards your chest and look at the floor. Keep your chin down and stay in this position.
Now turn your head to the side and pull your chin towards your shoulder. It is important that you not only turn your head but also look down at the same time so that the neck is stretched. Hold the stretch; then change sides and turn your head to the other shoulder.