Cars, taxis, and buses dominate New York City streets. It’s not surprising that accidents happen in such a congested area with hundreds of busy intersections. Stop-and-go traffic is the norm, and that can lead to rear-end crashes. One of the most frequent consequences of vehicle crashes is whiplash.
Whiplash occurs when the muscles, vertebrae, and nerves of the neck undergo strain, notably from a rear-end collision that whips the head back and forth swiftly. This usually happens when the head is “whipped” forward and backward with force that pushes the ligaments of the neck beyond their natural limit. The severity of each case depends entirely on how hard the neck was impacted.
You may feel the effects of whiplash immediately, or symptoms can take a few days to develop. The pain can last days or months. If you’ve been in a car accident and think your neck has been injured, see one of the best whiplash injury doctors in New York City at New York Bone & Joint Specialists. We can diagnose whiplash and get you feeling better with a personalized treatment plan. Delaying therapy will only worsen the condition and lead to long-term pain.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries: What Happens to Your Neck
Whiplash is a sudden, powerful back-and-forth motion of the neck or cervical spine. The force of this motion can injure the bones, muscles, discs, ligaments, and nerves of the neck.
A rear-end car collision ranks as the primary cause of whiplash, yet whiplash can result from other traumatic events, such as:
- A sports injury, especially during contact sports
- A physical assault or blow to the head
- A serious fall involving the head and neck
- A sudden jerking of the head on an amusement ride like a roller coaster
Whiplash symptoms may appear immediately after a car crash, or they may not develop for 12 to 24 hours. Most patients resolve whiplash symptoms quickly with at-home treatment and rest. However, some patients may experience chronic pain from whiplash for months or years.
Depending on the severity of the whiplash, symptoms may be mild to moderate. Even a rear-end collision at low speeds can cause whiplash. At higher speeds or with more forceful trauma, the damage may be more severe and could break the vertebrae in the neck as well as damage nerves and spinal discs. That’s why it’s important to get an immediate and accurate diagnosis from a whiplash specialist.
Whiplash Symptoms: Recognizing the Signs
Whiplash pain and symptoms can progress in stages. The risk of whiplash increases in older individuals, people who have experienced a prior whiplash injury, and women.
Immediate Symptoms (Within 24 Hours)
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches, most often at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Dizziness
Delayed Symptoms (24-72 Hours Later)
- Increased pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Chronic Symptoms (Weeks to Months)
- Persistent neck pain
- Chronic headaches
- Memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression and anxiety
- Ringing in the ears
- Irritability
Whiplash symptoms can worsen over time, severely restricting New Yorkers’ ability to do things they take for granted, like walking to the subway, grocery store, or work. Therefore, it’s especially important to see a doctor for immediate medical attention if your whiplash causes:
- Persistent pain in the shoulders and arms lasting weeks
- Pain when moving your head
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms
- Difficulty concentrating
If you suspect you severely injured your neck in a crash or lost consciousness after the event, seek care at an emergency room. You could have a more serious brain injury, such as a concussion.
Comprehensive Whiplash Diagnosis & Evaluation
To diagnose whiplash, a whiplash doctor at New York Bone & Joint Specialists will conduct a series of tests to accurately determine if you have whiplash or another injury or damage to the cervical spine or surrounding soft tissue:
- Initial review of health history and when symptoms began and what may have caused them
- Physical examination to assess pain points and range of motion in the neck and shoulders by gently touching the neck and asking you to move your neck
- Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to get a clear picture of the spine and soft tissue to rule out other conditions, such as bone fracture, ligament, or spinal disc damage
- Neurological assessment to evaluate your balance and gait, as well as neurological-related symptoms such as irritability, numbness and tingling in the shoulders, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and chronic headaches
Whiplash is classified in four grades:
Grade 1: Pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the neck area.
Grade 2: Pain radiates to the head, face, shoulders, and upper back. Bruising and swelling are evident around the neck. Muscle spasms make it difficult to turn your head and neck.
Grade 3: Neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the neck and upper back develop, accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and vision problems.
Grade 4: All of the above symptoms worsen, which may indicate a fractured vertebra is putting pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerves.
Whiplash Treatment Options: From Acute Care to Full Recovery
With the help of conservative treatment, patients usually do not experience pain from whiplash for more than two to three months. The most effective methods of treating whiplash and preventing future issues include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen neck muscles, relieve strain, and increase blood flow
- Acupuncture to relieve pain in specific areas with needle insertion
- Medical massage to relax spasms and increase blood flow to ligaments
Some mild medications are usually helpful in treating whiplash as well. The most effective are:
- Muscle relaxants to reduce spasms in the neck
- Lidocaine injection, a local anesthetic that helps eliminate pain and spasms
Immediate Treatment (First 72 Hours)
To manage pain soon after the event, try these strategies:
Rest. Avoid any activity that strains the neck for a day or two. However, complete bed rest is not recommended. Move around but be gentle with your head and neck.
Ice & heat therapy: A cold compress can decrease swelling and inflammation when applied in the first 7 to 10 days. After that, a heating pack can stimulate blood flow to the affected area to promote healing.
Medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen ease discomfort. Opioids may be prescribed, but only for a short period.
Cervical collar. A soft cervical collar stabilizes the neck and reduces pain. Your doctor may recommend wearing a collar for up to 72 hours after the accident or wearing it for three hours a day for a few weeks.
Active Recovery Phase (Days to Weeks)
Physical therapy. A physical therapist can guide you through simple exercises to increase range of motion, such as:
- Rotating your neck to each side
- Tilting your head side to side
- Bending your neck toward your chest
- Rolling your shoulders
Manual massage. Manual massage, along with heat therapy, can unlock stiff muscles and improve movement. Massage can relax muscle spasms and increase blood flow to ligaments.
Posture correction and workplace adjustments. A physical therapist can evaluate your posture and correct any deficiencies. Upgrade your workstation with ergonomic tools such as a mouse and keyboard to reduce strain on neck muscles. Adjust your chair so the computer screen is at eye level to avoid constantly looking down.
Advanced Treatment Options
Acupuncture and chiropractic care. A chiropractor can apply gentle pressure to align the spine. Our whiplash doctors will coordinate with your chiropractor on a care plan. Acupuncture relieves pain in specific areas with needle insertion.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A mild electrical current is passed through the skin to nerve endings to block pain.
Radiofrequency (RF) nerve ablation. Nerves in the affected area are deadened and stopped from sending pain signals by radiofrequency energy waves.
Long-term Management
Most people recover from whiplash with treatment and rest within weeks. However, for other patients, pain and symptoms linger longer. Our physicians and physical therapists can map out a long-term pain management strategy combining exercise and lifestyle modifications. If the whiplash resulted from a serious car accident, we will help you get the psychological care you need to overcome PTSD.
Why Choose New York Bone & Joint Specialists for Whiplash Treatment
To find the best whiplash doctors in New York City, look no further than New York Bone & Joint Specialists. Among the benefits we offer are:
- Board-certified orthopedists in trauma and cervical spinal care
- Experience with New York City car accident cases
- Multiple convenient New York City locations and same-day appointments for immediate medical evaluation
- State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to determine if you have whiplash or another neck ailment
- Comprehensive treatment team with doctors, physical therapists, and pain management experts all participating in your care
- Insurance expertise for motor vehicle accidents
- Proven track record with whiplash recovery—90 percent recover with conservative, non-surgical therapies
- Numerous patient success stories with positive outcomes. Our patients are our best referral source.
- Coordination with legal teams when needed
Living with Whiplash in NYC: Recovery and Prevention
Lower-grade categories of whiplash usually recover in days or a few weeks. More severe cases can take several weeks or months to heal.
Our doctors and physical therapists can accelerate and maintain your recovery by recommending lifestyle changes, including:
Changing your sleep position. The aim is to keep your spine in proper alignment as you sleep. Buy a pillow with good neck support and lie on your back or side.
Preventing falls. Walking crowded sidewalks in the city can be hazardous. Be careful to avoid falls by wearing comfortable shoes and watching where you step.
Playing safely. When playing contact sports like football or hockey, avoid forceful contact with another player that could injure your neck—or theirs.
If you drive or take a car in the city, consider these preventative measures:
- Adjust your seat and headrest to the proper position to protect your neck in the event of a collision. Purchase an orthopedic seat cushion to maintain proper spinal posture and height for the car seat.
- Always wear a seat belt snugly across your shoulder. It can stop the forward motion of the body when hit from behind.
- Don’t drive too close to the car in front of you. Be sure there is enough space between your car and the next to brake in time without a collision.
FAQs: Whiplash
How do I find the best whiplash doctor near me in NYC?
Look for board certification in orthopedics first, with a specialty in neck and spinal care. The physician staff at New York Bone & Joint Specialists can treat many spine and neck conditions, including whiplash. We accept many insurance plans, and if the injury was due to an accident, we will work with an insurer to ensure you get maximum coverage.
When should I see a whiplash injury doctor after a car accident?
Whiplash symptoms can appear immediately after an accident or trauma, or it can take 24 to 48 hours for symptoms to emerge. It’s important to see a whiplash doctor as soon as symptoms develop to prevent further pain and disability. Warning signs that require emergency care include loss of consciousness, numbness, and dizziness, which could indicate a concussion or serious brain injury.
What’s the difference between a whiplash doctor and my regular physician?
Your primary care physician may refer you to a whiplash specialist if symptoms are serious enough to indicate whiplash. Only a whiplash doctor has the specialized training and diagnostic equipment to diagnose and treat whiplash. The whiplash doctor can discuss your treatment options.
How long does whiplash treatment typically take?
Your whiplash recovery timeline depends on the severity of the whiplash and whether it’s acute (due to an accident) or chronic. In general, you can expect to recover within two to three months with physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, medications, and non-surgical treatments. Chronic whiplash pain may require longer-term pain management.
Will my car insurance cover whiplash treatment?
Coverage depends on who was at fault. If it’s established that the other driver was at fault, their insurance will pay. There must also be documented medical evidence of the injury for whiplash treatment to be covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance. You can also purchase personal injury protection (PIP) to cover all expenses related to whiplash regardless of who was at fault.
