 Whiplash and Pain
Frequently
Asked Questions
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Whiplash and Pain
(by Robert Hamel, PA-C, and Julie Roth, MPT)
What is whiplash?
A common type of injury resulting from motor vehicle accidents and frequently triggering
head and neck pain is whiplash. Whiplash is defined as muscle or ligament strain
due to hyperflexion and hyperextension. Hyperflexion is the sudden, extreme forward
motion of the head. Hyperextension is the sudden, extreme backward motion of the
head. Whiplash can also be complicated by rapid movement of the head from side to
side.
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Do people recover from whiplash?
About 50% of all people sustaining a whiplash injury are fully recovered within
three months, with 75% being fully recovered within one year. If symptoms such as
neck and shoulder pain or headache last longer than one year, full recovery is often
much more difficult to obtain. In addition, recovery can be prolonged if the neck
was rotated at the time of the accident. People experiencing prolonged symptoms
are often older, have higher levels of initial neck pain and/or headache, and may
have pain which radiates down the arm.
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What is cervical facet syndrome
and how does it relate to whiplash?
Cervical facet syndrome is a treatable condition that may follow whiplash and is
characterized by neck pain and a decrease in range of motion of the neck. Cervical
facet syndrome is due to trauma to the facet joints in the cervical spine. (Note:
MRIs and x-rays usually do not demonstrate this abnormality.)
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How is whiplash treated?
The treatment of whiplash is determined by the symptoms resulting from the injury.
For example, if migraine headaches are triggered by whiplash, treatment may include
medications and behavioral therapies. Nerve pain as a result of whiplash may respond
to medications such as Lioresal, tricyclic antidepressants, or Tegretol. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers can also be effective. Physical
therapy is usually an important aspect of the treatment plan for whiplash injuries.
Physical therapy is directed at restoring normal movement of the joints, relaxing
muscles, and increasing full flexibility and strength in the affected area.
Research indicates that once more serious injuries are ruled out, recovery is improved
when patients return to normal activities as soon as possible. Early mobilization
of the injured area, along with regular icing, may reduce the need for more aggressive
treatment.
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