Whiplash is an injury of the neck due to powerful rapid back-and-forth movement, much like the cracking of a whip. This jerking movement may injure the vertebrae in the neck and the discs between the vertebrae as well as associated tissues, ligaments, muscles and nerves.
Whiplash may be the result of:
Whiplash symptoms typically develop within 24 hours of injury and may include:
With whiplash, the goal of treatment is to restore full range of motion to the neck and manage pain associated with the injury. At The Center for Spinal Disorders, our team of experienced physicians and staff can assess the degree of severity and provide treatment options, including pain management, exercise, physical therapy and collars.
Pain Management
There are several pain management options for effectively managing pain from whiplash:
Exercise
A series of stretching and movement exercises may be suggested to aid in the return of normal activity and restore range of motion in the neck. Exercises may include:
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist may be recommended for chronic pain from whiplash or if patients need to learn range of motion exercises. Additional exercises may also be suggested to strengthen muscles and improve posture. The goal for the patient is to learn exercises that can be performed in the comfort of home on an independent basis.
Collars
A cervical collar made of soft foam may be recommended to keep the neck and head still for a short period of time following injury. It may also be used for patients who have difficulty sleeping due to pain.
The Center for Spinal Disorders is a comprehensive practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of back pain and spinal disorders. With a multidisciplinary team approach, our board certified physicians and experienced staff are committed to personalized care for relief of spine-related pain and restoring quality of life to our patients. We provide nonsurgical, minimally invasive and traditional surgical options in our state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information on whiplash or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today.