Whiplash
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain often starts in the neck and may radiate to other areas of the body.
- Pain can be felt immediately after an incident or may not materialize for 2-3 days.
- The neck often feels stiff and motion is limited.
- Headaches are also often present.
- Contusions, strains, and sprains are also often present depending on the cause of the injury.
Injury Description:
- Whiplash is a term used to describe a rapid end-range oscillatory motion for tissues in the neck.
- Micro-tears will be present in muscles and supportive connective tissues.
- StrainedSee A Complete List muscles will contract and form muscle spasms resulting in pain, weakness, stiffness, and limited activity tolerance.
What Can I Do?
- Early physical therapy treatment significantly speeds recovery to allow for a quicker return to full activity.
- Heat and ice treatments will help decrease inflammation and muscle tightness.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) and ice help reduce the inflammation and pain in the injured tissues.
- Reduction (not desertion) of activity intensity and duration will allow tissues to recover while remaining mobile.
- If symptoms persist consult your physician.
To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
For more information about whiplash check out this link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whiplash/DS01037
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Orem, UT 84097
801-373-1053
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Lehi, UT 84043
801-768-2723
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155 West Canyon Crest Road Suite 100
Alpine, UT 84004
801-756-7061
ORROCK & MENDENHALL SPORTS MEDICINE & PHYSICAL THERAPY
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