Whiplash Treatment Specialist

What is Whiplash?

A neck strain associated with an accident or impact which causes the head to jerk backward or forward is commonly called whiplash. The sudden stop causes the neck muscles and tenders to stretch and sometime tear. Many people who play sports are affected by neck strains. Neck strains should not be confused with sprains. Sprains are caused by tearing ligaments, where strains are stretching of the muscles and tendons. However, both are treated in a relatively similar manner. 

What Symptoms Does Whiplash Cause?

The pain associated with whiplash is often very difficult for a person to ignore or move past. Other symptoms can include:

• Decreased range of motion
• Tightness in neck
• Muscles may feel knotted or hard
• Tenderness
• Headaches at base of skull which move to the forehead
• Rocking the head side to side or backward and forward is difficult or painful

Usually, pain from a neck injury occurs right away however it can take a few hours or days for the pain to show up.

What is the Treatment for Whiplash?

Depending on how sever the strain or sprain is treatment can vary but the basic treatment includes:

• Icing- To reduce pain and swelling it is recommended to ice the injury soon after it occurs for about 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Continue icing for 2 to 3 days.
• Pain relievers- Doctors can recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen drugs such as Aleve. If the pain and swelling is especially serve they may prescribe medications as well.
• Neck Brace- To give support if the injury is severe doctors may also suggest using a neck brace or collar.
• Moist heat- After the initial swelling has gone down, warm baths can soothe the muscles or warm, wet towel can be applied to the neck.

Recovery commonly takes a few days but it can depend on how severely the muscles, tendons, or ligaments were injured.