If you have ever been rear-ended in an auto accident, chances are you woke up with a stiff or sore neck the following day. This is known as whiplash, a surprisingly common injury caused by the sudden jolting of the head and neck. While most whiplash cases resolve on their own, the pain and discomfort can be significant. As such, it is imperative to have a thorough understanding of whiplash, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options, including physical therapy, medication, and even advanced procedures.
Whether you are suffering from whiplash or simply want to be informed, the team at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics is here to help. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, you can entrust us to cater to your needs. You can call us at 678-929-4494 to schedule your appointment today!
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful movement of the head, often in a back-and-forth or snapping motion. This rapid movement can strain, tear, or damage the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and even nerves in your neck. The term “whiplash” is not a medical diagnosis but rather a description of the forceful movement that causes the injury.
What Are the Causes of Whiplash?
Rear-end car accidents are the primary causes of whiplash. The impact of one car rear-ending another one causes quick and sudden forward and backward movement of the head, resulting in strain on the neck muscles. However, this is not the only culprit.
The injury can also be caused by:
- Front-end collisions: Front-end collisions can also cause whiplash, although the injury is more common in read-end accidents.
- Rollover accidents: The violent tumbling motion in a rollover can significantly strain the neck.
- Falls: A slip and fall that lands you on your head or neck can cause whiplash.
- Sports injuries: Athletes in contact sports or sports with sudden head movements like football, hockey, and gymnastics are at risk.
- Physical abuse: Shaken baby syndrome is a form of whiplash caused by forcefully shaking a child.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Whiplash?
For higher chances of getting relief from whiplash, it is important to learn the common symptoms. Keep in mind that the symptoms are not always apparent after experiencing trauma to the neck and can even take weeks. As such, it is advisable to seek medical attention right after a car accident or trauma to the neck.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after trauma to the neck or head, get in touch with us as soon as possible. Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Decreased range of motion of the neck
- Increased pain when you move your neck or head
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in your arms
- Headache, usually at the base of the skull
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty concentrating
How Long Do Whiplash Symptoms Last?
Most of the neck pain disappears within a few days or months. However, research shows that between 12 to 50 percent of whiplash victims still experience persistent pain after a year. This lingering may be the case if:
- Pain develops immediately after the accident.
- You’ve experienced severe pain from the start.
- The pain shoots into the arms or fingers.
- You have neurological symptoms like memory loss.
The more severe the pain following the injury, the higher the chances of acute neck pain developing into a chronic issue.
Whiplash Diagnosis
Diagnosing whiplash can be challenging because there’s no single definitive test. Doctors will typically rely on a combination of factors, including medical history, a physical exam, and imaging tests.
Medical History
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and any previous neck problems.
Physical Examination
This will involve checking your range of motion, tenderness, and strength in your neck and shoulders. Certain neurological tests may also be performed to assess nerve function.
Imaging tests may also be ordered to rule out other potential injuries and to assess the extent of soft tissue damage. Common imaging techniques used in diagnosing whiplash include X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans.
X-Ray
This is often the first imaging test done to rule out any dislocations or fractures in the neck bones (cervical spine). While this type of imaging is helpful in detecting bone injuries, it does not reveal soft tissue damage, which is common in whiplash injuries.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and discs. MRI is particularly useful in detecting soft tissue injuries and can help healthcare providers assess the extent of damage caused by whiplash.
CT Scan
CT scans employ a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the body. These scans are helpful in identifying fractures, herniated discs, and other structural abnormalities in the neck that may be associated with whiplash injuries.
Treating Whiplash
Whiplash treatment usually focuses on alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility in the neck. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may have the following treatment options.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic care involves manual manipulation of the spine to realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerves. Your chiropractor will gently move your neck joints, improving their range of motion while reducing pain and stiffness.
At-Home Care
- Rest: Avoiding strenuous activities that might aggravate your neck pain is crucial for initial healing.
- Ice and heat therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for short intervals in the first few days can help reduce inflammation. Later, switching to heat therapy with a heating pad or warm compress can improve blood flow and promote healing.
Medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with whiplash. In some cases, muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to help relieve muscle spasms in the neck.
Foam Collars
Your practitioner may prescribe a foam collar to wear around the neck, protecting it from further strain and injury. Recent studies have shown that soft collars can help alleviate pain but also delay healing and recovery. As such, these collars are prescribed for a few hours a day or help hold the neck still while sleeping instead of wearing them throughout for days or weeks.
Nerve Blocks
These involve injecting a local anesthetic or steroid medication into the nerves in the neck to block pain signals temporarily. Nerve blocks can provide temporary relief from severe neck pain associated with whiplash.
Radiofrequency Ablation
This is a minimally invasive procedure that leverages heat generated by radiofrequency energy to destroy the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the neck to the brain. Radiofrequency ablation can provide long-lasting pain relief for individuals with chronic neck pain caused by whiplash injuries.
Spinal Cord Stimulator
A spinal cord stimulator is a small gadget that is implanted close to the spine to deliver electrical pulses to the nerves found in the neck. Spinal cord stimulation can help interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, providing relief from chronic neck pain.
Injections
In some cases, your doctor may administer injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid directly into the joints or soft tissues in the neck. This is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Orthopedic Surgery
In rare cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be considered to repair damaged ligaments, remove herniated discs, or stabilize the spine. Orthopedic surgery for whiplash injuries is typically reserved for severe cases where there is significant nerve compression, spinal instability, or fracture.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by whiplash injuries. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore the height of the spine. Cement is then injected into the vertebra to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain.
Complementary & Alternative Therapies
Some individuals with whiplash find relief through complementary and alternative therapies alongside traditional treatment. These can include:
- Massage therapy: Massage can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce pain.
- Yoga and Pilates: These gentle exercise forms can improve flexibility, core strength, and posture, potentially aiding recovery.
Remember, it’s crucial to discuss any complementary or alternative therapies with your doctor to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific case.
Get Expert Whiplash Treatment in Georgia!
Whiplash is a common injury that can cause significant pain and discomfort, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most individuals can recover fully within a few weeks to months. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for whiplash is essential for effectively managing this condition and promoting recovery.
If you’ve recently experienced a whiplash injury or are experiencing symptoms of neck pain or stiffness, consult with one of our healthcare professionals for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. The team at Georgia Spine & Orthopedics is here to help you recover.
Call us today at 678-929-4494 for a timely intervention and appropriate care!
