Whiplash is a term frequently heard and a common injury in car accidents when the injured is hit from behind. There are varying levels of whiplash and it can be caused through means other than a car accident. The team at the SOS Spine Center provides the following information to clarify whiplash and its treatment.
What is Whiplash?
Simply defined, whiplash is an injury resulting from a sudden sharp whipping movement of the neck and head. The most common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness. Other symptoms include pain in the shoulder blades, arms and even lower back. There are other symptoms that indicate ”whiplash associated disorders,” (WAD) and these include heaviness or tingling in the arms, ringing in the ears, vision changes, fatigue, poor concentration or memory, and difficulty sleeping.
Neck Pain & Whiplash
According to the North American Spine Society, most people involved in a motor vehicle accident do not get neck pain, whiplash or WAD. And, many people who do suffer neck pain after an accident will recover in a few weeks to a few months. Approximately one out of three patients does not fully recover, but can suffer mild pain that rarely interferes with work or daily activity. However, 10% of people with neck pain after an accident wind up with severe pain, and will need the most medical care. Often, these are people with pre-existing neck pain.
Neck Pain Severity & Whiplash
How can you tell what is causing your neck pain after an accident and how long it will last? Muscles and ligaments get strained and inflame during an accident, but usually heal within six – 10 weeks. Pain that lasts longer is usually due to injury to the disc or facet joint, or both.
What Should You Do If You Experience Neck Pain From Whiplash?
People involved in motor vehicle accidents with neck pain should immediately seek medical attention for diagnosis. The health care professional will perform a physical exam and order any necessary tests. An X-ray may be called for if there is concern of a fracture or that the spine isn’t stable.
How to Treat Whiplash
Depending on the full diagnosis, there are many treatment options for whiplash: Within the first 12 weeks of recovery, typically strength training is all that is necessary. For patients who do not recover after 12 weeks, they may require specialized treatment from a spine specialist including:
- Strength training to improve range of motion.
- Body mechanics training, or training in proper posture to decrease stress on muscles, discs and vertebrae, allowing damaged tissue to heal.
- Medication, including anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and muscle relaxants as determined by a physician.
- Spinal manipulative therapy provided by trained physical therapists or chiropractors.
- Surgery may be helpful when there is severe pain arising from one or two discs and the patient is very disabled and has not gotten better with non-operative care.
See A Doctor About Your Whiplash Neck Pain
If you suffer whiplash in a motor vehicle accident or through another way, and need care after immediate medical attention, contact the specialists at the SOS Spine Center. They can assess your injury and develop an individual treatment plan to help relieve your pain and regain range of motion.