How long does whiplash last?

A whiplash occurs as a result of forceful neck movements from events like auto accidents or collisions during high-impact sports. At Whatcom Physical Therapy, we know how daunting it can be in the moments after suffering from a whiplash and are here to guide you through what you can expect.

If you have sustained a whiplash, you may experience symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, tenderness, dizziness, tingling and numbness. Although the duration of a whiplash often varies from person to person, the majority of whiplashes heal within six weeks after the injury. Read on to learn about the treatments that can get you started on your path to wellness.

Whiplash treatment methods

It is imperative to immediately consult a medical professional after sustaining a whiplash injury for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any other injuries. A doctor will conduct a detailed history and a series of diagnostic tests in order to ensure that your whiplash improves. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a series of conservative treatments to ease your symptoms like the following physical therapy methods:

• Lifestyle modifications — A physical therapist can teach you ways to change your posture when sitting, standing, bending or lifting to help you manage your condition. 

• Stretching exercises — The goal of these exercises is to increase flexibility and motion in the joints and muscles of the spine, arms and legs to ease the pain of a whiplash.

• Low-impact activities — Exercises like walking, swimming and biking can ease the pain and discomfort of a whiplash, improve mobility and maintain a healthy body weight. 

• Strengthening exercises — Strengthening your muscles can take the pressure off the joints in the spine, arms and legs, which are impacted after sustaining a whiplash.

• Manual therapy — This hands-on passive movement performed by a physical therapist is designed to improve joint stiffness and tight muscles associated with whiplash.

Start whiplash treatment today at Whatcom Physical Therapy 

If you are suffering from whiplash that has lasted for weeks, don’t wait a moment longer. The musculoskeletal specialists at Whatcom Physical Therapy are here to help you find the physical therapy method that works best for your specific needs, so you can get your life back on track and put your whiplash injury behind you. 

Contact us today for more information on our whiplash treatments and how we can help you meet your recovery goals. We look forward to helping set up your initial appointment with our dedicated team.