Whiplash is a common neck injury when your neck bends back and forth very quickly. This quick and forceful movement injures the soft tissue of the neck and can cause many symptoms.
Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash. But many other things can lead to whiplash injury. Some examples are shaking a baby, sports-related activities, and some falls. Whiplash is a type of neck strain or neck sprain. But those terms can also refer to other injuries.
Common Causes of Whiplash
There are many different ways that whiplash can happen. Also, people can suffer from whiplash at any age. Some of the most common causes of whiplash include:
- Rear-end car collisions are the most common cause of whiplash.
- Contact sports that include tackling and other physical contact can create enough force to cause whiplash.
- Assault or abuse can also cause the neck to whip quickly back and forth. Two examples of this kind of whiplash include a fight that includes shaking or punching and shaken baby syndrome.
The Symptoms of Whiplash
Many think of whiplash as a minor injury, but it can cause many different symptoms. If you have a whiplash injury, you might feel or have:
- Dizzy
- Pain and stiffness in your neck
- Shoulder or lower back pain
- Prickly or burning sensations
- Fatigue
- Tingling or pain in your shoulders and arms, and even hands
- Headaches
- Ringing in your ears
- Blurred vision
- Problems concentrating or remembering
- Depression
- Irritability
These symptoms may start mild and worsen over time. The symptoms can also last longer than people expect.
How to Diagnose Whiplash
A doctor will gather information from you and may also run tests to diagnose whiplash. You may undergo an X-ray, but this test may not show soft-tissue damage. As a result, your doctor may also order an MRI or a CT scan. These tests are better at detecting soft tissue injuries and damage.
Other factors that can affect your diagnosis are:
- Being older
- Higher-speed collisions
- Previous whiplash injuries
- Pre-existing lower back pain
It is essential to talk to your doctor about your medical history. Talk about what happened to cause the whiplash.
How to Treat Whiplash
Once a doctor diagnoses whiplash, your treatment will depend on several factors. Your doctor will discuss whiplash treatment options and ways to manage your pain and symptoms. Some people may need to wear a cervical collar or a neck brace or receive physical therapy. In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers are effective for managing symptoms. Muscle relaxers or traction can help others to feel better.
Based on your injury, your doctor will work with you to develop a care plan that helps you manage your symptoms. It can take up to three months for whiplash symptoms to disappear, although they often resolve much sooner.
Following up with your doctor is crucial if you begin to feel much worse or note new symptoms.
Get Quality Care for Your Whiplash at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care
Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.
Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations:
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Carmel is located at 14585 Hazel Dell Pkwy., Carmel, IN 46033, and may be reached at 317.406.4280.
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care Fishers is located at 9690 E. 116th St., Fishers, IN 46037, and may be reached at 317.406.4585.
- Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care West Carmel/Zionsville is located at 10830 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077, and may be reached at 317.406.4713.
- Riverview Health Westfield Hospital is located at 17600 Shamrock Blvd, Westfield, IN 46074, and may be reached at 317.214.5555.
- Riverview Health Noblesville Hospital is located at 395 Westfield Road, Noblesville, IN 46060.