How Cervical Braces Help Treat Whiplash Pain

People across the United States experience neck pain. According to data about that matter, nearly 70 percent of people in the country will experience neck pain at some point. Most neck pain results from repetitive stress injuries or chronic stresses and strains. 

The most common injury that causes neck pain is known as whiplash. Whiplash, also known as neck strain, occurs when the head and neck forcefully jerks backward or forward. The sudden force causes the muscles and tendons within the neck to rupture, stretch and, eventually, tear. Sudden impacts and blows, such as those originating from car accidents, often cause whiplash in people. 

A large number of people who experience whiplash-related injuries typically sustain neck pain. Other studies regarding whiplash revealed that more than 1 million cases of whiplash occurs in the United States every year. Out of those 1 million cases, at least two-thirds of victims will develop some form of neck pain. 

Whiplash causes the neck to feel tight and painful. It also limits the neck's range of motion and may impair head movements and even back movements. People also feel tenderness and headaches that radiate from the base of their skull to their forehead. The pain usually manifests several hours or even days later; however some people feel immediate pain. 

Whiplash can be treated with cold and hot compresses, painkillers and a device known as a medical neck brace. 

Neck braces, also known as neck collars, are used to support the neck after suffering injuries from whiplash. Though, they're not typically recommended for long term use, since a medical neck brace may weaken the neck muscles after a prolonged period of time. 

If a person experiences moderate to severe pain after whiplash. The medical neck brace helps support the head and the neck, while the neck's soft tissues and muscles heal. 

If a person has surgery or other treatments related to their injury. Some people may need treatments, like surgery, to relieve persistent pain. The medical neck brace helps, as mentioned, keep the head and neck supported during recovery. 

If a person is injured. Paramedics or EMTs apply neck braces to people who may be injured or are injured at the scene of an accident. It helps keep their head and neck stable as they transport them to a nearby hospital. 

Although people do get prescribed neck braces to manage their whiplash-related pain, neck braces aren't recommended for long term treatment. 

Soft neck braces, in particular, aren't recommended for longer term whiplash treatment. They are, however, recommended for use during period lasting as long as 2 weeks. During those periods, a medical neck brace is mainly used as support to help subside pain within a patient's neck. 

Interestingly enough, one of the better treatments for whiplash-related injuries is carefully controlled activities that encourage mobilization of the neck, head and, to a lesser extent, shoulders. Many patients, however, are encouraged to discuss treatment options for whiplash with their doctors to get the best treatment possible for their situation.