Chicago Whiplash Lawyers

How is a whiplash injury diagnosed and treated?

Diagnostic tests for whiplash

Your doctor should begin your diagnosis by questioning you about what happened and what you’re currently feeling. The doctor should then conduct a physical examination. That physical exam will determine how far you can (or can’t) move your neck in different directions, the severity of your pain, how well (or poorly) your reflexes are working, the feeling in your limbs, and the strength of the muscles in your neck.

Your doctor will use imaging tests to rule out other conditions that could make your neck pain worse. Generally, imaging tests do not directly reveal whether you have a whiplash injury. The diagnostic tests for whiplash (and ruling out other causes) include the following:

• X-rays.Your doctor can use these tests to determine if you have any fractures, arthritis, or other disorders.
• CT scans. This type of test combines X-rays and computer technology to make detailed images of your bones and any bone damage.
• This diagnostic test combines radio waves and a magnetic field to make 3D images. Besides bone injuries, MRIs help to identify soft tissue injuries, “such as damage to the spinal cord, disks, or ligaments.”

Treatments for whiplash

The treatments vary depending on the scope and severity of your whiplash injury. Some patients may only require at-home care and over-the-counter medications. Many patients require physical therapy and prescription medications.

These treatments include the following:

• Victims of rear-end accidents and other types of accidents that cause whiplash may benefit from resting for a day or two, but not much longer.
• Heat and cold. Applying heat or cold for 15 minutes every three hours may help.
• Over-the-counter medications. “Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), often can control mild to moderate whiplash pain.”
• Prescription medicines.Some whiplash patients may require prescription medications for pain and depression.
• Muscle relaxants. These medications, if used for a short time, may provide some neck pain relief and may help you sleep better.
• Numbing shots. “A shot of lidocaine (Xylocaine) into painful muscle areas might decrease pain so that you can do physical therapy.”

A physical therapist can help by prescribing specific neck movement and stretching exercises for home use or at their facility. These exercises may include rotating your neck from side to side, tilting your head from side to side, rolling your shoulders, and moving your neck to your chest.

Other types of physical therapy include exercises for improving your posture, strengthening your muscles, and restoring movement.

The Mayo Clinic states that your doctor may also recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatments “that send a mild electric current to the skin.”

Generally, while soft foam collars were a recommended treatment in the past, newer studies show that “keeping the neck still for long periods can decrease muscle strength and slow recovery.” Doctors vary on how long whiplash patients should use foam collars, if at all.

Some patients may also benefit from alternative medical treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, and tai chi.