If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, or played a high-contact sport, you’re probably well aware of what whiplash is, how it occurs and how it feels. Nevertheless, the team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center wants patients to understand whiplash can be caused by many other traumas too. Although this particular neck injury isn’t usually life threatening, it can cause long-lasting damage and pain. Therefore, it’s vital patients remediate their injury with treatment and the help of a medical professional.
Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by the sudden jerking of the head, either backwards, forwards or to the sides. Some of the top causes of whiplash include:
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Contact sports (i.e. football, boxing, rugby, etc.)
- Heavy blow to the head
- A sudden fall
- Other traumatic injury
Whiplash, if mild, can be treated through conservative and interventional means. Treatment options for whiplash include:
- Applying ice to the affected area. Doing so for about 20-30 minutes every few hours could help alleviate pain, swelling and inflammation in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- Taking an over-the-counter pain medication could help with discomfort and swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve) should be considered before taking a stronger drug. If the pain is persistent or the damage to the affected area is extensive, Southwest Spine Pain Center physicians may recommend a prescription pain medication, muscle relaxant or injection to help with discomfort and pain.
- A neck brace may be recommended by a SWSP physician if your neck muscles need time to rest and heal. Braces should be used for a short period of time though, because immobilization can actually cause more harm than damage for whiplash injuries.
- Massage therapy may help enhance circulation, blood flow and flexibility in the muscles in your neck. Talk to your SWSP physician before pursuing this form of treatment.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations in Utah and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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