Whiplash is a common neck injury, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. Regardless of the severity of your whiplash or what caused it, physical therapy is an essential treatment option for this injury. This article is all about whiplash – what causes it, how to treat it, and how physical therapy can help.
Whiplash Defined
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a forceful jerking back and forth of the head (think of the motion resulting from a rear-end auto accident). Whiplash can be caused by any trauma to the head or neck, but the most common causes are car accidents, contact sports, slip and falls, and physical abuse. Here are some of the common symptoms related to whiplash:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Decreased mobility (inability to move your head to the side)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Symptoms of whiplash can vary widely – from mild pain that resolves itself, to severe pain and range-of-motion loss. No matter how severe your symptoms, you should always consult with a medical professional after an accident. Whiplash symptoms may not present immediately after your accident, and it’s a good idea to get ahead of these injuries before they get ahead of you.
Physical Therapy for Whiplash
Treating whiplash injuries often includes a combination of bracing, pain medications, and physical therapy. The bracing is used to keep prevent you from accidentally straining your neck during recovery. Pain pills help keep your neck pain at bay in the short term. Physical therapy is the key to regaining lost range-of-motion in the neck, and decreasing your pain in the longrun.
OrthoRehab’s skilled Minnesota physical therapists are dedicated to providing unparalleled care to each and every patient. We work closely with medical providers in all areas who routinely refer their patients to us for their physical therapy needs. When you make an appointment with us, you will get a dedicated physical therapist who will work with you to understand your condition, and strategize a rehabilitation plan that fits your situation. Contact our Edina or Minneapolis clinics today to schedule your appointment with OrthoRehab Specialists and get direct access to physical therapy.