Many people suffer from a condition commonly known by the name “whiplash injury.” This condition is caused by a sudden acceleration/deceleration of force; the head and neck are hyper extended when whipped backward. Immediately following, the head and neck are thrown forward and hyper flexed. This motion is usually caused by car accidents, falls, horseback riding, diving, snowboarding, skiing, and contact sports. Following such an incident, the vertebrae, tissues and muscles of the neck are sometimes left damaged. The symptoms involved with this condition include pain in the neck, shoulder, back, jaw and/or arm. Headaches, dizziness, and weakness are common as well.
Whiplash is a real condition with real symptoms, and sometimes individuals may recover quickly. Traditionally, as a part of initial treatment, most patients undergo conservative, non-invasive management such as rest, chiropractic manipulations, physical therapy, and medical management including use of non-steroidal medication and other pain killers. Long-term use of pain killers is not advisable as it may lead to dependence, which has become of increasing concern due the rise of prescription drug abuse. Many times, patients may fail to respond to conventional interventions, and continue to suffer with agonizing pain.
In order to properly treat whiplash, it is important to have a thorough exam performed by a qualified physician. The trauma can be very elusive. Consequently, it is not uncommon for X-Rays, MRIs, and CAT scans to miss the source of the problem. The multiple factors revolving around the injury make management of the pain highly variable from patient to patient. Specialized techniques are sometimes needed to locate the pain generator and provide the appropriate remedy. A specific interventional technique which aids in both identification of the source and treatment is precise nerve blocks under imaging guidance. The combination of interventional techniques and rehabilitative therapy is important for the best outcome. A small percentage of patients may require traditional open surgical interventions.
Early medical treatment is recommended in all whiplash incidents. If the condition is ignored, whiplash pain has the potential to become chronic. To find the solution to the problems or get answers to one’s concerns, pain sufferers should consult their physician or other providers early on. Also, one can conduct online research or contact a qualified interventional pain physician’s office to seek modern-day options.
For more information, you can visit www.paindiagnostics.net, or call 1-888-PAINDRS.
About Me
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- Dr. Vijay Singh
- Vijay Singh, MD is the Medical Director of Pain Diagnostics Associates. He is an Interventional Pain Specialist with Board Certification in Anesthesiology and the sub-specialty of Interventional Pain Management. Dr. Singh has completely devoted his life to educating himself, practicing physicians and his patients about the scientific developments within his field. He has received numerous awards spanning his career in recognition of his continual pursuit of knowledge and excellence in Interventional Pain Management. The extent of his expertise is evident in the vast amount of scientific research and authored texts Dr. Singh has produced. He has written and contributed to 82 scientific papers, peer reviewed journals, two authoritative medical textbooks, and management guidelines. As a pioneer and respected world-leader in the field, Dr. Singh’s work includes becoming one of the first physicians to perform the procedure known as Neucleoplasty. An instructional DVD for physicians interested in learning the procedure circulated the globe. His work has proven to be landmark material in the field as it has been cited by physicians world-wide.