Whiplash injuries (also referred to as Cervical Strain) are common neck injuries occurring from motor vehicle accidents, falls or other trauma to the head and neck. Whiplash occurs after an injury which causes rapid flexing and extension of the neck. Whiplash results in pain and restricted range of motion in the neck due to the injury of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.), discs and joints in the neck. In the acute phase of whiplash, the muscles in the neck can spasm and the neck is usually very sore and stiff. Generally, pain will improve with time, rest and conservative therapy, although symptoms may persist and become more chronic in some cases.

Symptoms

Evaluation & Treatment

After a whiplash injury is sustained a comprehensive history, physical exam and any necessary imaging (X-ray, CT scan, MRI) or diagnostic studies are performed. The acute treatment of whiplash is: rest, ice (no more than 20 minutes per hour), medications (acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxers, pain medications) and physical therapy. If the pain from the whiplash injury persists and is not relieved or there are associated neurologic symptoms (numbness or weakness), then further evaluation and testing should be performed. There may be a target injection therapy such as: trigger point injections, facet joint blocks or cervical epidural steroid injections that may be effective depending on the primary source of pain.

Our Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Pain Management Physicians will guide you through the treatment of your neck pain. Our goal is to relieve your pain and help you live life to the fullest.