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Och Spine Services

Diagnosis & Treatment

Whiplash

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How is Whiplash Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

Whiplash is a clinical diagnosis. If appropriate, a healthcare provider orders additional tests, including imaging scans and neurological and physical examinations, that rule out other conditions. Your healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and any events (car crash, sports, physical abuse) that may contribute to the whiplash. 

These tests are used to diagnose whiplash:

  • X-ray: This imaging test can help identify a fracture’s location.
  • CT scan: CT scans offer more detailed information than typical X-ray images. This diagnostic test uses computers and rotating X-ray machines to better view the spine, discs, soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones.
  • MRI scan: A magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) displays any potential damage to intervertebral discs and soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and even the brain.
  • Bone scan: This scan is useful in detecting tiny fractures. Your doctor may not suggest this type of test right away because it requires higher doses of radiation.

How is Whiplash Treated?

Treatment

Whiplash is an injury that causes neck stiffness and discomfort in the shoulder, back, and neck. Available whiplash treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury.

However, pain management and physical therapy will help provide the tools to heal from whiplash and resume everyday activities.

Whiplash treatment options include:

Pain management

  • Rest your neck within the first few days following the injury.
  • Begin icing the neck for 10 minutes several times throughout the day to help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Individuals with whiplash-related headaches should minimize physical activity and avoid contact sports.
  • Over-the-counter medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen can help manage pain. Some medications may be unsafe if you have various conditions, so please check with a doctor before taking them.

Physical therapy

Your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe stretching and movement exercises to help restore range of motion in the neck and back. At first, sessions may be completed with a trained physical therapist and then continued at home as the patient improves.

Medications

Medications are often unnecessary. Sometimes your doctor will prescribe medications that help with inflammation, muscle spasm, or nerve pain. Muscle relaxants offer short-term help for loosening tight muscles and soothing pain.

Alternative Methods

Massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care are viable options to help manage whiplash injuries’ symptoms. Your healthcare provider can assist you in determining the best time to use these methods.

FAQs

FAQs

Depending on the severity of the whiplash injury, healing can take a few days or weeks to six months. Neurological problems caused by whiplash can take longer to heal.

Individuals with mild cases of whiplash (grade one) will not experience symptoms. More severe cases of whiplash will involve numbness and tingling in the neck, vision problems, dizziness, and muscle weakness.

Whiplash can be associated with headaches and pinched nerves, but it does not cause them in all cases.

 

This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.

Neel Mehta, MD

Jaspal R. Singh, MD

Clark Smith, MD

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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Whiplash Treatment

You may have whiplash if you recently experienced a vehicular accident or were injured while doing sports. It’s essential to know the condition’s symptoms, which usually include a stiff neck and dizziness. NewYork Presbyterian can help you get back to every day activities by offering the appropriate whiplash treatment for your situation.