Lingering Pain After a Car Accident? How Pain Management Treats Whiplash Injuries

Each year, about three million Americans suffer whiplash due to automobile accidents. Though symptom severity ranges based on the speed of the collision and various other factors, many people report lingering pain weeks or even months after the initial injury.  

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, understands how frustrating ongoing whiplash can be. Here, she explains why whiplash-related pain sometimes lingers and how professional pain management can help.

What is whiplash, and why do some patients experience ongoing pain?

Whiplash is a common musculoskeletal injury that occurs when your head moves back and forth rapidly, in a whiplike motion. The most common cause of whiplash is getting rear-ended in a car accident, but it can also happen after a fall or other trauma that triggers rapid back-and-forth neck movements.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Tingling, numbness, or fatigue

Because whiplash is a soft tissue injury, symptoms may not improve with conservative measures, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. This situation can occur for various reasons, including slow-healing structural damage to muscles or spinal discs, the formation of scar tissue, or neurological changes in how the brain interprets pain.

Lifestyle factors, like exercise and posture, can also worsen symptoms, which is why many patients find whiplash-related pain so difficult to relieve.

Understanding the benefits of professional pain management

Professional pain management is a safe and effective way to identify the cause of your ongoing pain and determine the best treatment approach. 

Before making any recommendations, Dr. Merson reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including what they feel like, where they occur, and if they’re worse at certain times, such as when you’re lying down or exercising.

She also completes a comprehensive physical and neurological exam and orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to check for underlying structural issues, such as herniated discs, muscle inflammation, or tendon damage.

After determining the source of your whiplash pain, she develops a targeted treatment plan with a non-surgical focus. Depending on your needs, Dr. Merson may recommend:

• Medication management with muscle relaxants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT)
• Acupuncture
• Physical therapy
• Posture-strengthening exercises
• Nerve blocks
• Radiofrequency nerve ablation

The goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, to support your healing. Some people experience noticeable pain relief after a few days of treatment, while others take longer. Be patient, follow Dr. Merson’s instructions, and attend each of your scheduled appointments.

When should I seek professional help for whiplash-related pain?

Seek professional care for whiplash-related pain if your symptoms persist for more than a few days despite at-home care, such as rest, ice, and activity changes. This recommendation is especially true if your pain interferes with your ability to work, sleep, or do other daily activities. 

Because whiplash-related injuries often worsen over time, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. The sooner you receive care, the less likely you are to experience a stiff neck, headaches, or other ongoing issues.

We can help manage whiplash-related pain

Whiplash-related pain can be challenging to treat, but it’s much easier with targeted advice from a qualified pain management professional. To explore potential treatment options, schedule an appointment today by booking online or calling our office at 561-499-7020.