What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck strain that occurs when your head jerks back and forth suddenly. It’s called whiplash because the motion made by your head and neck is like the cracking of a whip. Your head’s rapid movement stretches the soft tissues in your neck beyond their normal limit, consequently tearing muscles and tendons.
How does whiplash occur?
Whiplash commonly occurs during rear-end car accidents, but anything that causes your head to move backward and then forward suddenly can cause whiplash. This can include:
- Cycling accidents
- Horseback riding
- Blows to the head
- Amusement park rides
- Contact sports injuries, such as those sustained in football and boxing
- Physical abuse, like being forcefully shaken or punched
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries and feel unrelenting pain in your neck, you might be suffering from whiplash.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash generally appear within 24 hours of the initial incident, but in some cases, symptoms develop slowly, taking a few days to present themselves. If you were in an accident that may have resulted in whiplash, it’s important to note any physical changes that develop after the fact.
Symptoms, which can last for several weeks, might include:
- Neck pain, especially when moving your head or looking over your shoulders
- Stiffness and a diminished range of motion in the neck
- Headaches
- Weariness
Other, less common symptoms of whiplash might include:
- Irritability
- Disturbed sleep
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty concentrating
If symptoms spread to your shoulders or arms, or you begin to experience numbness or weakness in your arms, you should see a doctor immediately.
How is whiplash treated?
Treatments for whiplash depend on the severity of your condition. Some people can find relief with over-the-counter pain medications, while others may need more advanced solutions.
You may be prescribed physical therapy to help restore strength and flexibility to your neck and protect the muscles from further strain. However, Dr. Gheith might prescribe certain medications or injections that can also reduce pain, such as epidural steroid injections.
The caring team of providers at Interventional Pain Institute can help you find relief from pain related to whiplash. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.
