Whiplash

About 15% of whiplash cases end in chronic neck pain, if not appropriately treated. To have your neck symptoms assessed by a specialist, visit Steven Gershon, M.D., at Gershon Pain Specialists in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a team of expert pain management specialists, the practice offers a range of conventional and alternative treatments for whiplash and other injuries related to the neck and back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the neck that usually occurs from an accelerating or decelerating force. That leads to unrestrained, rapid, forward and backward movements of the neck and head. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, especially rear-end collisions. As a result of the accident, the intervertebral joints, cervical muscles, discs, ligaments, and nerve roots can sustain damage. Usually, whiplash isn’t a life-threatening injury, but it may result in prolonged periods of pain. While many of those involved in minor car accidents recover quickly without complications, some people experience symptoms for several years.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

In many cases, whiplash symptoms are delayed for about 24 hours after the initial trauma occurs. Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash are:

Neck pain
Spasms and stiffness
Blurry vision
Headaches, mostly along the base of the skull
Low back pain
Pain or numbness in the arm or hand

If you experience whiplash, you might also have dizziness, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances. In severe cases, you might even notice a ringing sensation in your ears or memory loss. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

How is whiplash treated?

At Gershon Pain Specialists, your treatment starts with diagnostic tests to assess your injuries and rule out other symptoms associated with whiplash. The tests include X-rays to identify the specific areas where there’s a fracture, dislocation, or any other problem. Treatment options for whiplash depend on your symptoms and the severity of the injury. Care typically involves a combination of different methods, such as injections, medications, spinal manipulations, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises. Medication options may include muscle relaxers, short-term narcotics, anti-inflammatories, and topical creams. Interventional pain management may consist of facet injections, trigger point injections, and medial branch blocks, which help to address soft tissue, nerve, or muscle damage.