Whiplash

Whiplash is a nonmedical but common term describing a neck injury caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion, like the cracking of a whip. It is most often caused by car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, but can also be caused by contact sports, physical abuse, head-banging, bungee-jumping, and other situations where the neck can be violently shaken.

Symptoms That May Indicate Whiplash

The primary symptom of whiplash is severe pain in the neck and shoulders, but this can also be accompanied by:

• Stiffness or loss of range of motion

• Headaches

• Tingling or numbness

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Tinnitus

Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers

If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms listed above, make an appointment at Premier Bone & Joint Centers right away. While there’s no one heal-all treatment for whiplash, we can help you manage your discomfort as you mend and ensure that your condition doesn’t worsen.

Whiplash treatment can include applying a heating pad or cold compress, practicing physical therapy and other gentle exercises, or taking over-the-counter pain medications. While the use of neck braces was common in the past, modern recommendations from orthopedic specialists encourage early movement rather than immobilization.