Whiplash is a common injury that can occur after sudden impacts, most often from car accidents, sports collisions, or even slips and falls. While it’s sometimes dismissed as a minor neck strain, whiplash can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and other complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. At The OUCH Center, Dr. Maxim Moradian and his expert team specialize in evaluating, treating, and guiding patients through recovery from whiplash injuries.
Understanding Whiplash
Whiplash happens when the neck is suddenly forced backward and then forward, creating a rapid “whipping” motion. This sudden movement can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper back, and in some cases, it may affect nerves or spinal discs.
Common Causes:
Car accidents: Rear-end collisions are the leading cause of whiplash.
Sports injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, or soccer can produce similar rapid neck movements.
Falls or accidents: Slips, falls, or sudden impacts in everyday life can also trigger whiplash.
Typical Symptoms:
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
Shoulder or upper back pain
Reduced range of motion
Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands in severe cases
Fatigue or dizziness
Symptoms may appear immediately after an injury, or sometimes hours or even days later, making early evaluation important.
Treatment Options for Whiplash
Treatment for whiplash focuses on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing long-term complications. The OUCH Center offers personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s injury severity and recovery goals.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Rest and activity modification: Short periods of rest followed by gentle movement to prevent stiffness.
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises improve neck strength, flexibility, and posture.
Pain management: Over-the-counter medications, muscle relaxants, or prescription options can help control discomfort.
Bracing: Temporary neck supports may be used for short-term relief.
Advanced and Regenerative Options:
For patients with lingering pain or severe injury, advanced therapies can promote healing:
Trigger point injections or nerve blocks to relieve localized pain.
Regenerative medicine techniques, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, can support tissue repair and recovery.
Targeted rehabilitation programs designed to restore full function and prevent recurring symptoms.
When to Seek Care
Even if symptoms seem mild, prompt evaluation is crucial. Seek immediate care if you experience:
Severe neck or back pain
Persistent headaches or dizziness
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
Difficulty moving your neck or performing daily activities
Early intervention not only helps relieve discomfort but also reduces the risk of chronic pain or long-term complications.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the whiplash. Most patients improve within a few weeks to months with proper care. Following your treatment plan, maintaining good posture, and performing recommended exercises are key to preventing reinjury.
Get Expert Care for Whiplash at The OUCH Center
If you’ve experienced a sudden impact and are dealing with neck pain or stiffness, don’t wait to get evaluated. Dr. Maxim Moradian and the team at The OUCH Center provide expert whiplash care at our California locations. Call us today at (626) 389-3893 or (818) 643-4346, email info@theouchcenter.com, or visit us at Arcadia: 51 N. 5th Avenue, Suite 301E; Glendale: 317 S. Brand, A-106; Palmdale: 41210 11th Street West, Suite K. Our goal is to help you find relief, restore function, and get back to life safely and confidently.