Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury caused by a sudden acceleration-deceleration force, typically from rear-end car accidents, falls, or sports collisions. The rapid movement causes the neck to snap forward and then backward, overstretching the muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Although often viewed as a minor injury, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, headaches, reduced range of motion, and other long-term complications if not properly treated.
Common Causes of Whiplash
Motor vehicle accidents (especially rear-end collisions)
Contact sports (football, rugby, boxing)
Slip and fall injuries
Physical assault (e.g., being punched or shaken)
Amusement park rides with abrupt stops or direction changes
Symptoms of Whiplash
Symptoms may appear immediately or hours to days after the injury:
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
Reduced range of motion
Dizziness or blurred vision
Fatigue
Jaw pain or difficulty concentrating (in severe cases)
In some cases, whiplash may be associated with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) that involve more complex neurological symptoms.
Conservative Treatment Options
Medications
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) to reduce inflammation and pain
Muscle relaxants for associated spasms
Neuropathic agents (e.g., gabapentin) if nerve-related symptoms are present
Physical Therapy
Focuses on gentle stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and postural training
Helps restore mobility and reduce stiffness
Chiropractic or Manual Therapy
Soft tissue mobilization and gentle spinal manipulation (when appropriate)
Myofascial release for tender trigger points
Home Care
Ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and relax tight muscles
Short-term use of a soft cervical collar (limited to avoid weakening muscles)
Interventional Pain Management Options
If symptoms persist beyond 6–8 weeks or become chronic, interventional procedures may be recommended:
Trigger Point Injections
Targets tight muscle knots contributing to persistent neck and shoulder pain
Cervical Facet Joint Injections
Used to treat facet-mediated pain in the cervical spine caused by joint irritation from whiplash
Medial Branch Blocks
Diagnostic injections to confirm facet joint involvement
Can guide further treatment with radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Provides long-term pain relief by disrupting nerves that transmit pain from inflamed cervical facet joints
Occipital Nerve Blocks
For patients experiencing headaches or upper neck pain associated with whiplash
When to Seek Help
You should consult a specialist if you experience:
Persistent neck pain or headaches following an accident
Reduced mobility affecting daily activities
Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms
Symptoms that don’t improve with conservative care
Recover Stronger with Expert Whiplash Treatment
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we understand that whiplash isn’t “just a sore neck.” Our team provides a comprehensive approach—from accurate diagnosis to conservative therapies and image-guided interventional treatments—to help you recover faster and prevent long-term complications.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to begin your personalized whiplash recovery plan.