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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), often can control mild to moderate whiplash pain. People with more severe pain may benefit from short-term treatment with prescription pain relievers containing codeine. Muscle relaxants also may be prescribed, but these drugs often cause drowsiness so your doctor may want you to take them only at bedtime.
Ice, heat and exercise
Many people with whiplash pain find it helpful to use ice or heat on their necks and upper backs. In general, ice should be used early in the recovery period, to reduce inflammation, while heat is especially helpful to relax muscles before range-of-motion exercises.
Once your pain is under control, your doctor will likely want you to regularly perform gentle stretching exercises to help restore your neck's range of motion. These usually involve rotating your head from side to side, and bending your neck forward, backward and to the sides.
If pain persists for several months, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles supporting your head.
Injections
An injection of corticosteroid medicine or lidocaine (a numbing medicine) into painful muscle areas may relieve the muscle spasms that can be associated with whiplash injuries. This will make it easier for you to perform the stretching exercises that are crucial to recovery.
Cervical collars
Although soft foam cervical collars were once commonly used for whiplash injuries, they no longer are recommended routinely. Immobilizing the neck for long periods of time can lead to decreased muscle bulk and strength and impair recovery.
During the day, cervical collars should be worn for no longer than three hours at a time and for only the first few weeks after the injury. If you're continually being awakened at night by whiplash pain, wearing a cervical collar may help you sleep.
