Neck Pain and Whiplash Physical Therapy
WHAT IS WHIPLASH?
Whiplash is a condition that occurs due to a forceful movement of the neck, most commonly experienced during a car accident. In other cases, whiplash may result from another type of traumatic accident, such as a sports neck injury. Sometimes referred to as a neck strain or a neck sprain, whiplash can be very painful and seriously affect your day-to-day life. Neck pain from whiplash can be diagnosed and treated by an experienced practitioner at EPTG.
WHAT CAUSES WHIPLASH?
Whiplash generally occurs as the result of a sudden and forceful movement of the head backward and then forward. This type of movement is sometimes compared to cracking a whip. When this movement occurs, the bones, muscles, and other structures that make up the spine can easily become damaged.
Whiplash is most commonly caused by one of the following:
- Rear-end automobile accidents
- Injuries during contact sports, such as football
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH?
The symptoms of whiplash are typically present within a day of your neck injury, and may include the following:
- Neck stiffness
- Neck pain or soreness
- Inability to move the neck without pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Shoulder, back, or arm pain and tenderness
- Tinnitus (ear ringing)
- Memory problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
It is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as you experience any of the above symptoms following a traumatic injury or car accident. There are a number of possible conditions, such as fractures or tissue damage, which could be contributing to your symptoms.
DO I NEED PT FOR WHIPLASH?
Whiplash treatment is focused on controlling your pain levels and giving you an improved range of motion so you can return to your regular daily activities. In many cases, PT is part of your treatment process, which might also include pain medication, depending on the severity of your discomfort. At EPTG, we offer personalized, hands on care and the latest treatment options for whiplash injuries to help you return to your normal lifestyle without pain.
If you are suffering from whiplash, visit one of our locations. We are open six days a week and accept walk-ins so you can come in anytime. If you would prefer to schedule an appointment in advance, you can fill out the form on this page.
