What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your neck and head are abruptly forced backward and then forward again. This rapid motion places extreme stress on your cervical (neck) spine. Whiplash is also called neck sprain or strain.
The most common cause is an automobile accident where a car is hit from behind. Though rare, high-impact activities can place extreme acceleration-deceleration forces on your neck.
Less common whiplash causes include:
- Football
- Rollercoasters
- Bungee jumping
- Falls while skiing or horseback-riding
Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms include neck pain – the most common sign. Pain can range from mild to tingling or severe. Other symptoms include:
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Neck instability
- Numbness or weakness that radiates into your shoulder, arm and/or hand
- Balance or coordination problems
- Shoulder and/or upper-back pain
- Headache
Whiplash symptoms are complex and often last a long time. They’re sometimes known as whiplash-associated disorders. Related injuries or symptoms may include concussion, shoulder injuries and radiculopathy (pinched nerve radiating pain into your arm).
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your injury. Your doctor will do a physical exam and review your health history and symptoms.
Typically, whiplash involves mild sprains or muscle strains that heal within a few days or weeks. Sometimes symptoms last months or longer. Tell your doctor if whiplash pain or other symptoms are severe or don’t heal.
To ease whiplash symptoms:
- Apply ice to your neck for pain and swelling.
- Take medications for pain and inflammation.
- Get physical therapy to manage pain and improve neck strength and flexibility.
- Wear a cervical collar to stabilize and protect your neck.
- Get injections that target a specific area to reduce nerve and tissue inflammation.
- Get massage and/or physical therapy to correct posture and increase blood flow while soothing muscle tension and spasms.
To speed healing, eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, use sleep aids such as a supportive pillow, and stay active – while protecting your neck.
Typically, nonsurgical options ease whiplash symptoms. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may advise surgical procedures for complications or to treat whiplash-associated disorders.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of whiplash, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat whiplash.