Whiplash Treatment in Austin, TX | Greater Austin Pain Center

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a type of neck injury, sometimes referred to as a neck sprain or strain, that is caused by a forceful forward-and-back motion. It is most commonly seen following motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and physical abuse. Whiplash symptoms result from an injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and/or discs in the neck. Whiplash is often a treatable condition, and usually resolves with appropriate care, but it can become a chronic condition causing long-term discomfort.

How does Whiplash affect the body?

Whiplash most commonly presents as pain and stiffness in the general head, neck, and shoulder region. It is also common to experience numbness and tingling in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Whiplash can cause limited mobility of the neck, shoulders, and upper extremities. Whiplash symptoms can be severe enough to limit the ability to perform normal activities of daily living like self-care, chores, driving, and the ability to work.

Causes

Motor vehicle accidents (especially being rear-ended)
Sports injuries
Falls
Physical abuse or assault

Symptoms

Neck pain and stiffness
Reduced range of motion in the neck and shoulders
Neck pain with movement
Numbness and tingling in the arms and hands
Irritability
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Memory difficulties
Difficulty concentrating

Treatments

Ice, heat (after the first 24 hours)
Neck braces
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
Neck range of motion therapy
Prescription muscle relaxers and/or anti-inflammatories
Physical therapy
Trigger point injections
Steroid injections

Treatment for Whiplash in the Greater Austin Area

Whiplash is generally best treated with the involvement and oversight of a medical provider. Treatment is initially focused on conservative therapies such as ice, heat, physical therapy, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory medications. For severe symptoms, or symptoms that fail to resolve with conservative therapies, interventions like trigger point injections and cervical epidural steroid injections can help to provide relief to patients. Most patients recover from whiplash with these treatments over a few weeks to months, but some patients may experience persistent symptoms for several months or longer.

Woman at elevators in front of San Antonio Eye Specialists sign.

Am I at Risk of Developing Whiplash?

Whiplash can happen to anyone who experiences a forceful forward-and-back motion of the head and neck. People most at risk are those who are involved in motor vehicle accidents, specifically those in which they are rear-ended, as well as athletes involved in contact sports. The exact mechanism of whiplash injuries is not fully understood, but it has been widely documented amongst the general population. Children under the age of 5 are most at risk due to a relative weakness of their neck muscles in relation to the size and weight of their heads. The best ways to prevent whiplash are to wear a seat-belt when in the vehicle, appropriately adjust head rests in the vehicle, placing children into age appropriate car seats, and avoiding forceful contact injuries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can whiplash be treated?

Yes. Whiplash can often be treated with a combination of conservative therapies under the direction of a medical provider. For severe or persistent symptoms, a medical provider may perform injections to help promote recovery.

How long does it take to recover from whiplash injuries?

Most patients experience resolution of their symptoms within a few weeks or months when treated under the direction of a trained medical provider. However, symptoms can sometimes persist for several months or longer.

Do I need to see a medical provider if I think I have whiplash?

Anyone experiencing symptoms of whiplash, or who suffered a forceful forward-and-back motion of the neck, should be evaluated by a medical provider. Medical providers can prescribe medications and therapies to help alleviate symptoms, and also perform injections to expedite recovery and relieve severe symptoms.

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What is Whiplash?