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How Long Does Whiplash Injury Take To Recover?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Question: can somebody have a look at my scan when you get a chance.. I have attached them all.. I have whiplash and sore upper back after a recent accident where the airbag went off and left me very shocked and with confirmed mild whiplash. I have upper back stiffness and spasms.. will this go... also do those airbags have bad impacts.. I went into somebody infront of me.cannot remember full accident was very shocked

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach the reports.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There are no attachments with this query.
The mild whiplash injury usually recovers with the help of rest, muscle relaxants and oral steroids that help in reducing the inflammation and swelling.
You can consult a neurologist for proper prescription medicines. You can also upload your radiology report in the box provided on the right hand side of the query page for a better evaluation.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 hours later)

Hi..f you very kindly answered all my questions before...
you have all my scans. I can forward them all on to you again. I had an accident recently.. went into the back of a carrier van..air bag went off in my face..alot of pain in shoulder blades and upper back..physio described it as mild whiplash.. I would be most grateful if you could advise. does it take long for the whiplash to go and will this effect my original condition..you dealt with me two weeks ago and I found you very helpful.. thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Usually takes 3-4 weeks to recover.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
I do have all your previous reports. The pain in the shoulders and upper back can be due to the impact of the airbag. This will take 3-4 weeks to improve. It can have a mild effect on your cervical spondylosis. You can take oral muscle relaxants to help the early recovery.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)

Thanks for this. WHEN U SAY IT CAN HAVE A MIII'D EFFEC. COME THIS BRITISH MY CONSULTaant.my doctor plans on .me doing an mr in mi in six weeks times. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The effect will decrease with rest.

Detailed Answer:
The mild effect will not last forever. An MRI scan after 6 weeks will help in detecting any changes in the cervical spine due to the injury.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (10 hours later)

would there be any broken bones in the upper thoracic area/ feels very sore.is this inflammation...the upper back is worse than the neck.. should this inflammation go down..thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Broken bones not likely.

Detailed Answer:
Any broken bones are not likely. The soreness is due to soft tissue injury. This will decrease with rest and hot compress. Do take anti inflammatory pain killers to help.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar