How Is Whiplash Treated?

Millions of Americans experience whiplash injuries each year due to falls, car crashes, and other accidents. Here, we break down treatments that can ease pain, improve mobility, and help you recover faster.

Whiplash is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting more than 2 million Americans annually. It’s often caused by motor vehicle accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, but can also occur due to falls and other trauma, like work and sports injuries. Regardless of the cause, beginning treatment as soon as possible can help you heal faster and reduce the chances of lingering symptoms.

At Performance Therapy Institute, our experienced team offers high-quality care for whiplash at our offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Nolensville, Tennessee. Keep reading to learn how whiplash is diagnosed and treated to ensure lasting relief.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

Before developing a custom whiplash treatment plan, we conduct a thorough initial assessment. This includes a discussion of your symptoms, a review of your medical history, and details about how the injury happened. Answer our questions honestly and provide as much detail as possible. For example, if you were driving, tell us if you were wearing a seatbelt and if your car was moving or stopped at the time of the collision.

Next, we complete a physical exam and may order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, to check for fractures and soft tissue damage. We also gently press on your neck and shoulder to identify sensitive areas and have you move your head from side to side.

Early diagnosis helps guide treatment and is key to reducing the risk of chronic pain.

Early-stage treatment for whiplash

Most whiplash injuries are minor and heal with rest, activity changes, and at-home care.

For instance, if you were in a fender bender or other low-impact accident, we typically recommend a three-pronged treatment approach: ice, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, and wearing a neck brace or cervical collar to prevent further strain or injury.

You don’t need to keep an ice pack on your neck all day, but applying it for 20-30 minutes every two to three hours can help. Similarly, medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce inflammation and stiffness.

While a neck brace can help prevent additional injury, it’s best to wear it only during the first 24-48 hours after the accident. Afterward, give your neck some freedom to move. Gentle motion increases circulation and promotes healing.

Physical therapy and gentle movement

More serious whiplash injuries often require care beyond at-home treatment. For example, if you have trouble moving your neck from side to side or experience pain when you lie down, drive, or sit at a computer, we may recommend physical therapy.

Physical therapy may include manual techniques, such as massage, along with stretches and strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle, improve range of motion, and ease stiffness. It offers the added benefit of increased circulation, which can support your body’s healing process.

In some cases, complementary treatments such as chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy can aid in recovery. Chiropractic care aims to realign your entire musculoskeletal system, while laser therapy uses targeted light energy to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Long-term care and recovery

Most whiplash injuries improve within a few weeks to a few months. However, recovery may take longer depending on the severity of the impact. This is particularly true if you experience whiplash-induced headaches or chronic pain, which can require ongoing physical therapy, pain management, or counseling.

The key to recovery is committing to your treatment plan, regardless of how severe your whiplash injury is. For the best results, follow your provider’s instructions carefully, attend each of your checkups, and avoid any activities that could worsen symptoms. In addition, try not to stay sedentary for long periods. As with many musculoskeletal injuries, movement is medicine, so aim to stay active as your body heals.

Schedule whiplash treatment today!