Many people each year sustain whiplash injuries to the neck due to vehicle accidents. Whiplash most often occurs when a vehicle is rear-ended. This causes the neck to bend forward and then backward, suddenly and forcibly, hyperextending and compressing it. Other less common causes of whiplash include contact sports such as football, falls, and other trauma.
Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash causes damage to soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The injury may also affect discs, nerves, and vertebrae in the cervical spine. Some people begin to experience symptoms immediately, while other symptoms may become apparent hours or days later. Severity of the symptoms depends on how severely the neck was hyperextended or compressed. Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Pain, stiffness, or tenderness in the neck
- Loss of mobility or range of motion in the neck
- Pain or tenderness in shoulders, arms, or upper back
- Dizziness
- Headaches, often at the base of the skull
- Numbness in an arm or hand, usually on one side
- Fatigue
- Sleeplessness
- Memory or concentration problems
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
When to See a Doctor
It’s wise to schedule an appointment with your physician if you experience neck pain following an accident or other trauma to the neck. Imaging tests are typically used to diagnose whiplash. X-rays are commonly used. MRIs can provide a more detailed look at soft tissue injuries. Sometimes CT scans are ordered. A primary care physician may refer patients to a specialist for treatment.
Treatment for Whiplash
Initial treatment includes rest and ice therapy for the first 24 hours. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, help provide pain relief. Muscle relaxers may be prescribed. People with headaches should limit their physical activity.
The physician may refer the patient to physical therapy to introduce exercises and stretches to help restore flexibility and range of motion in the neck. In more severe cases, steroid injections can relieve neck pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can relieve pain and improve muscle strength.
How long does healing take?
People with mild or moderate whiplash generally recover in a few weeks. More serious cases will take longer to resolve. Some people may experience chronic pain after a whiplash.
Although surgery is rarely necessary for whiplash injuries, it may be required to treat a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or vertebral fracture due to whiplash.
Atlanta Brain and Spine Care
The Board Certified neurosurgeons at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the cervical spine. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
