Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, similar to the motion of a cracking whip. At ATI Physical Therapy, we provide expert whiplash physical therapy to help reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent long-term complications.
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, also known as neck sprain or neck strain. It occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and then forward, putting the cervical spine through lightning-quick motions and extreme stresses. This injury can damage the bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other tissues of the neck.
Whiplash typically results from a sudden impact that forces the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion. Common causes of whiplash include:
Whiplash symptoms can develop within hours or days after the injury, and may include:
Whiplash injuries can be complex and often raise many questions about symptoms, treatment, and recovery. To address common concerns, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about whiplash. These cover topics such as injury duration, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the benefits of physical therapy for whiplash recovery.
The duration of a whiplash injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors. In mild cases, whiplash may resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks with proper rest and treatment. However, more severe whiplash injuries can last for several weeks to months.
Factors that may influence the recovery time from whiplash include:
To prevent whiplash injuries, consider the following preventive measures:
Whiplash treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury but may include:
The benefits of whiplash physical therapy include:
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing pain, or looking to optimize your fitness, our team shares valuable information to help you live a healthier, more active life.
At ATI Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive whiplash physical therapy. Whether you’re dealing with a recent whiplash injury or managing chronic symptoms, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, mobility, and function. Contact ATI Physical Therapy today to start your journey towards recovery from whiplash.