Whiplash

Understanding Whiplash: The Injury That Stunned Harmanpreet

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team had an upper hand over their arch rivals, Pakistan as they picked up those two points in their recent fixture at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. However, the win came at a massive cost of Indian skipper, Harmanpreet Kaur hurting her neck in the runchase. 

The injury occurred in the 19th over of India’s innings when Harmanpreet lost her balance while trying to dab a delivery from Nida Dar. The incident, which resulted in whiplash, significantly impacted India’s chances in the match.

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common injury in various sports, including cricket. It occurs when the neck undergoes sudden flexion and/or extension, often due to a sudden impact or a forceful change in direction. In cricket, this can happen during a collision, a diving catch, or, more commonly, when a batsman overbalances after hitting a ball.

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is essentially a strain or sprain of the neck muscles and ligaments. The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head can cause these tissues to become overstretched or torn. Symptoms often appear immediately after the injury, but they can also develop over time.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash

Neck pain and stiffness: 

This is the most common symptom, often described as a dull ache or a sharp pain.

Headaches

These can be severe and may radiate to the temples or back of the head.

Dizziness and light-headedness: 

Balance problems and a sense of spinning can also occur.

Shoulder pain: 

Pain in the shoulders is common due to the interconnectedness of the neck and shoulder muscles.

Limited range of motion: 

Difficulty turning the head or looking up and down can be a significant issue.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A healthcare professional, such as a sports medicine doctor or a physiotherapist, can diagnose whiplash based on a physical examination and a detailed history of the injury. Imaging studies, like X-rays or MRI scans, may be necessary to rule out other conditions. Treatment for whiplash typically involves:

Rest:

Avoiding activities that aggravate the neck pain is important.

Ice and heat therapy: 

Applying ice to the affected area initially can help reduce swelling, while heat can be used later to relax the muscles.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: 

Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy: 

Exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help restore neck mobility and strengthen the supporting muscles.

Neck collar: 

In some cases, wearing a soft neck collar can provide support and reduce pain.

Prevention

While it’s impossible to prevent all whiplash injuries, several steps can be taken to reduce the risk:

Proper warm-up: 

A thorough warm-up before training or matches can help prepare the muscles and joints.

Good technique: 

Learning and practicing proper batting technique can help prevent overbalancing and other factors that contribute to whiplash.

Protective gear:

While not always practical in cricket, wearing protective equipment, such as a neck guard, can offer additional protection.

Long Term Considerations

While most whiplash injuries resolve within a few weeks, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, including chronic pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty concentrating.

Rehabilitation

A comprehensive rehabilitation program is essential for recovery, focusing on restoring neck mobility, strengthening supporting muscles, and improving posture.

Prevention of re-injury

Once a whiplash injury has healed, it’s important to take steps to prevent re-injury, such as maintaining good posture, avoiding excessive neck strain, and wearing appropriate protective gear.

If you suspect you have whiplash, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications and ensure a full recovery.

The Sportz Planet Exclusive,
Dr. Amol Patil 
Consultant Sports Physician
Former Team Doctor (Indian Boxing Team) | Former Consultant MY&S (Mission Olympic Cell)

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