Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash is a common side effect of auto accidents, especially when you get hit from behind. While you may not experience immediate symptoms of whiplash, the condition can lead to complications if you wait too long to seek treatment.
At Precision Regenerative Medicine, we offer several regenerative therapies to address your neck from the inside out. Regenerative medicine specialist Tammy Penhollow, DO, can use substances like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to increase the efficiency of tissue healing so you can recover from your whiplash symptoms faster.
Why you have whiplash
Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your cervical spine (neck) moves forcefully in a back-and-forth motion. This sudden movement can sprain the muscles that support your neck, leading to persistent pain and loss of range of motion.
In severe accidents, there is also a risk that the forceful neck movement can cause your brain to hit against your skull and increase your risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is also the potential for vertebrae fractures in your cervical spine and spinal cord damage.
In addition to auto accidents, you may experience whiplash during sports participation, especially in high-impact sports like football and hockey. If you ride roller coasters or other thrill rides, there is always a risk of whiplash injuries.
Identifying the warning signs of whiplash
Whiplash can cause neck pain that ranges from a mild ache to severe, intense pain. You might also experience symptoms like:
- Neck stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling sensations
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision disturbances
Because these symptoms may not show up for hours or days after the traumatic event, it’s always wise to seek a medical evaluation after any type of accident that can result in whiplash.
Dr. Penhollow performs a comprehensive physical exam to assess your range of motion in your upper spine. She may also request X-rays or other imaging tests to evaluate your neck’s vertebrae and soft tissues.
Regenerative therapies for whiplash
Based on the results of your diagnostic evaluation, Dr. Penhollow customizes a care plan using regenerative therapies to address painful muscle strains. She offers therapies like:
PRP therapy
PRP is a substance in your blood that contains essential growth factors that stimulate your body to produce new, healthy tissue cells. The new cells replace those damaged by traumatic injuries, so tissues heal fully from the inside out.
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) cell therapy
BMAC cell therapy is similar to PRP therapy but uses bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to accelerate your natural healing processes. Injections may ease chronic muscle inflammation, so you have better range of motion and less pain.
Dr. Penhollow also specializes in Emsculpt, a noninvasive therapy that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM®) energy to induce muscle contractions more powerful than you can achieve with exercise. These contractions rebuild strength in the muscles that support your spine and increase your core strength to improve your overall spinal stability.
Call Precision Regenerative Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona, to schedule an evaluation for whiplash symptoms or book an appointment online today.