Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by a sudden and powerful jolt to the neck. It can produce significant strain and discomfort and make it feel next to impossible to comfortably move the affected area. Below is an introduction to this condition, its common symptoms, and why it is important to always seek urgent care after experiencing any degree of trauma.

Causes

The term whiplash encompasses any type of neck pain resulting from an abrupt back-and-forth motion that overtaxes the neck structures. It causes damage to the discs, ligaments, joints, and muscles between the neck vertebrae. The nerve roots in this region might also be impaired.

Symptoms

Symptoms of whiplash may not show up right away. In some cases, it may be hours or even days after the injury occurred that you finally start to feel neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. An increase in pain often accompanies any movement of the neck. Other signs of whiplash include a headache, which tends to start at the base of the skull, pain or tenderness in the shoulders or between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the extremities, and fatigue.

Treatment

If your neck has been jolted in a sudden back-and-forth movement, always seek urgent care. Since symptoms don't always show up right away, preventative treatment can often help reduce pain and minimize the effects of the injury. Also, whiplash mimics other, more serious damage, like traumatic brain injuries, so prompt medical attention is essential.

There are a variety of treatments that can help decrease pain and encourage better neck mobility. Ice packs are often advised during the first 24 hours to decrease swelling and lessen discomfort. After, applying heat to the neck will dilate blood vessels and encourage muscle relaxation. An urgent care provider may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, or they might prescribe pain medication or a muscle relaxer. In particularly serious cases, physical therapy may be necessary.

The family doctors at MediCenter provide urgent care to patients throughout the Kenai, AK, area. In addition to whiplash treatment, they offer a wide range of other pain management services for your back, spine, or joints. Visit them online to learn more about these offerings. Call (907) 283-9118 with questions.