Whiplash, which is also called neck strain, is a common injury in automobile accidents. The impact of one car hitting another, often suddenly, usually creates an impact that makes your body, and specifically your head, jerk backward and then forward.
That motion, at a high level of impact, strains the muscles in your neck. And, most of the time, for most people, it’s true that the muscles will heal. However, sometimes, it doesn’t work that way.
Whiplash can cause strange symptoms that you may not recognize as being related to your neck injury days later. Some people have long-term consequences that last for years -- but with proper treatment soon after the injury, they may not have to last that long at all.
Obviously, if you’ve strained your neck, you can expect to have a sore neck. When you have whiplash, you might also experience:
Even if your neck is just a little sore or stiff, if you’ve been in a car accident, you should get checked out. If you do have whiplash, seeking treatment early can help you avoid long-term, chronic pain.
The providers at South Lake Pain Institute will base your treatment plan on your specific situation. For example, if you have a chronic condition as well as whiplash, they will take that into account in suggesting an effective treatment approach.
The type and nature of your neck pain, as well as neck mobility, and any other symptoms, including those that don’t cause pain, all make a difference in how our providers approach your treatment. Regardless, earlier intervention is likely to result in a better recovery.
Some of the more common treatment methods in cases of whiplash include:
The goals of whiplash treatment are to limit your pain, allow your muscles to heal, restore the strength and flexibility of your neck, and to prevent chronic pain due to the injury.
Our providers base your treatment plan on those goals in the context of your life. Other injuries, chronic conditions, your job, your family life, and myriad other factors impact what your treatment plan should look like.
One thing is true for everyone: Earlier diagnosis and treatment of whiplash leads to better outcomes.
There are two locations of South Lake Pain Institute. You can book an appointment at either location by phone or online. Don’t take the risk of living with chronic pain for weeks, months, or even years.
