Whiplash

Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash is a relatively common neck injury that occurs due to sudden back-and-forth motion, reminiscent of a cracking whip. The snapping motion causes injury to the bones, muscles, tendons and nerves around the spine.

As a result, patients may experience immediate symptoms that can last for years. However, receiving medical treatment for whiplash can help patients recover faster.

The Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) has talented doctors who treat whiplash in Arizona. Visit our offices in Phoenix, East Valley, Scottsdale or West Valley for whiplash diagnosis and treatment. 

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Treatment

There are various spine treatments medical practitioners can use when treating whiplash. Factors like the injury’s severity, the patient’s age and tolerance for certain medications will influence the treatment the doctor recommends.

Many doctors will suggest self-care methods such as rest, heat application and cold or over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen to resolve whiplash symptoms. Other approaches like neck stability collars, physical therapy routines and osteopathic manipulation can expedite recovery.

Spinal surgery may be on the table if other treatments fail, a simultaneous injury occurs or the patient is at risk for other spinal complications:

• Ruptured or herniated intervertebral disc: A discectomy that removes some or all of a damaged disc can resolve whiplash complications. Spinal stabilization methods like bone fusion or the installation of an artificial cervical may be necessary after a discectomy.
• Patients with or at risk of spinal stenosis: Whiplash does not cause spinal stenosis, but it can exacerbate the narrowing of the spinal canal. A corpectomy or laminectomy can reduce pressure on the spinal cord after a whiplash injury.

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