Today we are going to talk about a very important topic: cervical hyperextension. Many people may experience this issue at some point in their lives, so it is crucial to understand its causes and know what to do about it.
What is cervical hyperextension?
Cervical hyperextension occurs when the neck moves beyond its normal range of motion, usually backward. Also known as whiplash, neck sprain, or neck strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries. It is damage to the neck caused by a sudden and intense movement from an external force, making the neck move in a front-to-back motion similar to a whip.
Symptoms of cervical hyperextension. The common symptoms of cervical hyperextension include: Neck pain, stiffness, tenderness, difficulty moving it.
Headaches and, in some cases, numbness or weakness in the arms.
Fatigue, dizziness, and even blurred vision while walking.
It is essential to recognize these symptoms to seek the appropriate treatment and avoid additional complications.
What causes cervical hyperextension?
It can be caused by various factors, such as:
Car accidents. Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of traumatic neck injury due to hyperflexion-hyperextension.
Physical abuse or assault. This injury can occur if you are punched or shaken. It is one of the injuries commonly seen in shaken baby syndrome.
Contact sports. Sometimes, tackles in American football and other sport-related collisions can cause this type of injury.
What to do if you have cervical hyperextension?
If you have cervical hyperextension, it is important to take appropriate measures. Here are some tips:
Maintain proper posture. Make sure to keep a correct posture in your daily life, both when sitting and lifting heavy objects. Good posture will help relieve tension in your neck and prevent future injuries.
Rest and avoid sudden movements. It is crucial to allow your neck to recover. Avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms and avoid sudden movements that could aggravate the injury. Once you've had enough rest, you can start doing gentle stretching and mobility exercises to strengthen your neck muscles and improve flexibility.
Use of a neck brace. This is very important to limit movement, it can help reduce pain shortly after the injury and may help you sleep at night. However, recommendations for using a neck brace vary. Some experts suggest limiting its use to no more than 72 hours, while others say it can be worn up to three hours a day for several weeks. Your doctor can guide you on how to properly use the neck brace and for how long.
If the pain persists or worsens, it is essential to seek medical attention. A doctor or physical therapist specializing in neck injuries will be able to evaluate your situation and provide appropriate treatment. They may recommend physical therapy to help alleviate the pain and recover fully.
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