Cervical Sprain or Whiplash: What are the causes, diagnosis and treatment?

Cervical sprain, also known as whiplash, is an injury that affects the soft tissues of the neck, particularly ligaments, muscles and tendons, as a result of a sudden, sharp force that hyperextends or hyperflexes the neck.


Causes:

Cervical sprain is commonly caused by:

  • Car Accidents: Rear-end collisions are a typical cause of cervical sprains, as the sudden impact can cause the head to rock back and forth.
  • Sports accidents: Injuries in contact sports, such as football, rugby or boxing, can cause a cervical sprain.
  • Falls: Falls in which the neck experiences excessive extension or flexion can also cause this injury.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing a cervical sprain involves the following steps:

  • Medical history: The doctor collects information about the accident or traumatic event, the symptoms experienced, and the patient's medical history.
  • Physical exam: During the exam, the doctor evaluates neck mobility, the presence of pain, tenderness, muscle strength, and reflexes.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays can be used to rule out fractures in the cervical vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help visualize soft tissues and confirm ligament injury.
  • Clinical assessment scales: Doctors often use specific scales, such as the Cervical Spine Injury Severity Score (CSISS), to assess the severity of the injury.

Treatment:

Cervical sprain treatment can vary depending on the severity of the injury, but generally includes:

  • Rest and limitation of activities: Initially, it is recommended to avoid activities that could worsen the injury and allow the tissues to recover.
  • Immobilization: A cervical collar may be prescribed to immobilize the neck and reduce stress on damaged tissues. Long-term use is not recommended as it could weaken the neck muscles.
  • Physical therapy: A physical therapist can develop a specific exercise program to strengthen neck muscles and improve mobility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to control pain and inflammation.
  • Surgery: In very rare cases of severe cervical sprain with ligament injury, surgery may be considered, although it is rare.

Treatment must be personalized and supervised by a health professional. Rehabilitation and prevention of complications are essential in the management of cervical sprain. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of the injury and the individual response of the patient.