People who suffer mild symptoms that appear to be related to a whiplash injury can try several remedies. These include temporary rest and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Patients are advised not to take any medications before consulting their physician.

Prescription medications also are used to treat whiplash. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Other anti-inflammatories and painkillers (analgesics)
• Antidepressants
• Muscle relaxants

Some patients may also experience relief by using a cervical collar for a few weeks. This is a foam, plastic or gel-filled neck brace that secures the cervical vertebrae in their normal position.

Heat (thermotherapy) can be applied to relieve tension and increase range of motion. This may be combined with hydrotherapy. In addition, many physicians recommend that patients refrain from activities that aggravate pain, such as heavy lifting and participation in sports, for two to three weeks after injury.

Other treatments that may help relieve symptoms associated with whiplash include:

• Cryotherapy. The use of cold to treat pain. Cold treatments may be applied to the affected area in the first 24 hours after the injury.
  
  
• Manipulation therapy. Techniques involving manipulation of soft tissues, and sometimes joints, through pressure and movement. Examples include chiropractic and massage therapy.
  
  
• Ultrasound therapy. Method of applying heat deep into tissues with the use of high-frequency sound waves.
  
  
• Electrical therapy. Techniques including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which patients can be trained to perform at home.
  
  
• Acupuncture or acupressure. Ancient Eastern therapies that may reduce pain.
  
  
• Injection therapy. May be recommended for patients not getting better with noninvasive treatments. Usually these injections include facet joint injections (into joints between vertebrae) and epidural corticosteroid injections.
  
  
• Traction. A procedure in which a mechanical device is used to relieve pressure from the affected area. It is very rarely used in whiplash injury.

Once a whiplash injury has healed, activities such as range of motion exercises and physical therapy may further rehabilitate tissues. Patients may be instructed in posture and ergonomics.

Patients who receive proper treatment for whiplash injuries generally have a good prognosis. Neck and head pain often resolves within a few days or weeks, and most patients fully recover within a few months after the injury. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, about 75 percent of individuals who have whiplash recover within several months.

Some patients, however, may continue to experience some lingering neck pain and headaches. In such patients, it may be necessary to have additional treatment, such as a nerve block with a local anesthetic. 

Other pain management techniques that may address chronic pain include cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback. In rare cases, damage to tissues may need to be repaired by surgery.

Some patients have suffered balance disorders after a whiplash injury. Treatments that may help include physical or occupational therapy or acupuncture.