Over 3 million new whiplash cases occur each year, and over half of those new cases lead to chronic symptoms. If you’ve sustained physical trauma to your head or neck and are experiencing persistent neck pain, you might have whiplash. Ramis Gheith MD, MS, and the team at Interventional Pain Institute have extensive experience treating and rehabilitating patients with whiplash. Call the office in Chesterfield, Festus, or Bridgeton, Missouri, or book an appointment online today.
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.
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:
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries and feel unrelenting pain in your neck, you might be suffering from 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:
Other, less common symptoms of whiplash might include:
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.
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.