Whiplash is a painful condition that can affect the muscles, spinal discs, joints of the spine, and nerves in the neck. Because so many aspects of the neck may be impacted, several treatment options are available for both acute and chronic pain from whiplash. It's important to receive a diagnosis immediately after sustaining a whiplash injury to rule out underlying health issues. The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain Consultants may work with your primary care physician to develop a complete treatment regimen for your whiplash injury.
Whiplash occurs when a person undergoes an abrupt, jerking sensation that hyperextends the neck. Common causes may include car crashes or contact sports injuries, but many other instances may cause this condition. When the neck is tilted backward and then thrown forward with force out of its regular range of motion, the tissues, nerves, and bones may become injured and cause pain.
Because whiplash can affect so many parts of the neck, it can develop an array of symptoms. Pain may be felt in the neck, shoulders, or even the low back. Patients may also experience frequent or persistent headaches along with stiffness in the neck. Sometimes, patients may experience cognitive difficulties like impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, or even trouble sleeping. If nerve function is impaired, patients may experience tingling or numbing sensations that may extend into the upper extremities. Patients may have difficulty twisting or bending the neck and experience limited mobility.
Before treatment, a physician may request diagnostic imaging or perform a cervical discogram to diagnose a problem with the spinal discs of the neck, if applicable. At first, a physician may recommend rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication in order to allow the body to heal. If these conservative measures do not work, a physician may suggest physical therapy or exercise to restore regular movement and range of motion. Physical therapy may be used in conjunction with steroid injections. These injections reduce inflammation within the spine and provide the necessary pain relief to begin an exercise or physical therapy regimen.
