Neck Sprains (Whiplash) and Strains

Neck sprains and strains are common. Although the symptoms are similar, sprains and strains are distinctly different soft tissue disorders.

Have you been diagnosed with Whiplash? If you would like a consultative appointment with Dr. Frazier to treat your Whiplash, please complete this form.

            Sprain: injury to a ligament caused by overuse or trauma

            Strain: injury to a tendon or muscle caused by overuse or trauma

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs following sudden extension and flexion of the neck. The exaggerated back and forth head movement frequently associated with an automobile accident can injure vertebrae, surrounding muscles and ligaments, and nerve roots. The onset of symptoms may be immediate or appear several days later. Whiplash is considered a neck sprain. Most patients with whiplash recover within 3 months after the injury, although in some cases, neck pain and headache persists.

Muscle pain that develops from cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder is an example of a neck strain.  Both sprains and strains can cause severe pain and are sometimes temporarily disabling.

 

Symptoms

Typical symptoms include:

  • Varying degrees of pain; mild to intense
  • Sharp, dull, throbbing, and/or burning pain
  • Stiffness, difficulty moving the neck or upper body

In addition to the above, whiplash symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Jaw pain (immediate or delayed)
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Hyperextension
  • Hyperflexion

 

Accurate Diagnosis Essential

Dr. Frazier talks to you about the circumstances surrounding the injury, your symptoms, and what treatments you have already tried. You are carefully examined for limitations in movement and pain. Injury to the neck can be serious, so when appropriate, Dr. Frazier will order x-rays. If necessary, additional imaging studies are performed to rule out other disorders (e.g. vertebral fracture).

 

Non-surgical Treatment

A variety of treatments can help relieve neck sprain or strain symptoms.  These include:

  • Anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and pain, muscle relaxants to calm spasm, or narcotics to alleviate acute pain 
  • Cold/heat therapy, especially during the first 24-48 hours following onset of symptoms
  • Soft cervical collar or brace*
  • Physical therapy, which may include gentle massage, therapeutic exercise, or traction to decrease pain and increase function
  • Alternative therapy (e.g. acupuncture)

*A cervical collar is a short-term treatment to help support tender and painful neck tissues while they heal.  A collar can reduce neck and upper back pain by relieving muscle spasm and cervical fatigue.

In conjunction with these treatments, our staff will educate you about proper posture and body mechanics. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please call our office for an appointment. We are happy to provide you with information to help you recover and stay healthy.