Whiplash Injury

Whiplash injury usually has a specific, known cause, though the effects and pain symptoms may be widespread or nonspecific. This is why many patients never fully recover from a traumatic head or neck injury. Extenuating injuries that are not detected can cause pain to persist, even when the apparent issues have been addressed and resolved.

Whiplash can affect bones, muscles and other soft tissue. There is also significant risk of nerve injury or damage, resulting in chronic pain or restriction of movement. Attaining a working diagnosis that takes the whole body into account is important. Simply treating external symptoms of whiplash may not heal the patient significantly. Even if pain has decreased, it may persist at that level or return later with greater force.

Cervical Examination for Whiplash Injury

Specialists in spinal health can give an accurate diagnosis of the extent of whiplash injury and suggest a course of treatment. Tests, such as X-rays and MRIs, can search for fractures, dislocations or ruptures. The absence of these problems will also provide direction for treatment. Simple muscle strain may be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs and a stabilizing cervical collar. Deeper structural issues, such as cracked vertebrae or herniated discs in the cervical area of the spine, may require surgery.

The expert microsurgeons at the specialize in addressing pain issues at their sources. The latest technology in arthroscopic surgery, along with patented instrumentation and experienced practitioners, result in a 95-percent success rate for surgical therapies. The Bonati Institute is known as an innovator in outpatient procedures for relief of whiplash and chronic pain.