Whiplash injuries commonly occur following motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and other types of high-impact collisions. When the head is forcefully jolted, the soft tissues of the neck and spine are strained, and any, all, or any combination of the following symptoms present:
- Neck pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Headache
- Sleep disturbance
- Arm pain
Following the presentation of these symptoms, patients are advised to arrange an appointment with a neurosurgeon.
Illustration 1- Whiplash mechanism of injury
Diagnosing Whiplash
A high impact incident and the presence of the above-mentioned symptoms are enough for a specialist to make a whiplash diagnosis. However, it’s not uncommon for an X-ray and/or MRI to be ordered, as other spine problems, such as a fractured or herniated disc, need to be ruled out before a treatment plan is made.
Treating Whiplash
Like many other soft tissue injuries, when effectively treated, the symptoms of whiplash typically go away in a short period of time. Some of the treatment options a specialist might prescribe are:
- Bracing the neck for a few days or weeks gives soft tissues a chance to heal.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Medications provide symptom relief by decreasing pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy. After immediate symptoms cease, stretching exercises are used to decrease stiffness and regain normal range of motion.
- Minimally invasive spine injections. When pain won’t subside with conservative treatment, a combination of anesthetic and steroid medications can be injected into the painful area.
If the symptoms of whiplash have not improved or gone away after twelve weeks of this type of treatment, a more serious condition might be present. But, as previously alluded too, the initial evaluation by a highly trained and skilled neurosurgeon is a complete one—ruling out the possibility of serious spine injuries.
Seeking Treatment for Whiplash Injuries
If you’ve been involved in an MVA or other high impact collision and are experiencing the symptoms of whiplash, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to arrange an appointment. Our specialists will properly diagnosis and treat your condition. You can rest easy knowing that you’ll be in the best possible hands—a full, complete recovery is right around the corner.
Dr. Patrick Senatus is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon in New York City with extensive experience in Minimally Invasive and Restorative Spine Surgery. Dr. Senatus employs a personalized patient-centered approach that prioritizes optimum functional outcome and well-being. Each consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Senatus designed to create an individualized evidence based treatment plan which includes the patient, family, and collaborating providers.
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