Introduction
Whiplash is a common injury in most populations. Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) are the result of a sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck. They are most often the result of car accidents or sports injuries.
Generally speaking, symptoms can range from mild stiffness in the neck to chronic pain and neurological deficits. Effective treatment is only possible when the severity and the duration of the symptoms are taken into consideration.
This guide outlines the clinically supported treatments available. It also provides information on the most appropriate healthcare providers in Anchorage, Alaska – from your local chiropractor to physical therapist, and more.
I. Conservative Management
A. Physical Therapy (PT)
Physical therapy is one of the first treatment options many people with whiplash try. It is best used in cases of acute to chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) of grades I-II. It usually tries to implement range-of-motion exercises, cervical muscle strengthening techniques, and posture correction.
Active PT regimens have been shown to decrease pain and disability in WAD patients. In fact, a good exercise program has been shown to be the most effective noninvasive intervention for chronic WAD.
For more detail on whiplash and its treatment, check out this study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. It found that “A multimodal approach including manual therapy, self-management advice, and exercise is an effective treatment strategy for both recent-onset and persistent neck pain.”1
Access to physical therapy treatment can be found at licensed physical therapy clinics and hospital rehabilitation departments. Some examples of such in Anchorage, AK include:
- Better Health Alaska
- Progressive Physical Therapy
- United Physical Therapy
- Empower Physical Therapy
B. Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Programs
A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program involves a combination of treatments that may be needed in cases where chronic WAD is combined with psychological aspects (i.e. whiplash combined with depression, etc…). These approaches often combine physical therapy, psychological counseling, and medical management.
Evidence indicates that multimodal care, including manipulation or mobilization, in combination with range-of-motion exercises is recommended for recent-onset neck pain. Providers include both specialized rehabilitation centers as well as pain clinics.
Examples of such centers in Anchorage include:
- Wise Physical Therapy
- Integrative Physical Therapy and Spine Treatment Center
- Southcentral Foundation
II. Medical Management
A. Pharmacological Interventions
Medications are often used in cases of whiplash to manage pain. Specifically, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as well as muscle relaxants have been used to reduce pain for patients.
NSAIDs have been prescribed for WADs of grade II and III but with the stipulation that their use should be limited to three weeks and no more. Access to and prescriptions for such meds can be found at the offices of primary care physicians and pain specialists.
B. Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum Toxin Injections are another means to try to deal with WADs through medication. It is believed by some to be best for chronic WAD in conjunction with muscle spasms. However, there is some dispute about their effectiveness.
A study by the University of Queensland Australia has found that current evidence does not support the routine use of Botulinum toxin for acute or chronic whiplash.2
III. Manual Therapies
A. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care is another non-invasive, conservative means of addressing whiplash. It is best for acute WAD of grade I. Typical techniques used include spinal manipulation and mobilization techniques.
In fact, cervical manipulation has been shown to be roughly as effective to conventional physiotherapy programs for acute whiplash injury.
One study on PubMed found that “activation-based therapy is recommended for the treatment of acute WAD.”3Another study, this one on MDPI, found that manipulation was effective.4
Chiropractic care can be obtained from licensed chiropractors such as:
- Better Health Alaska
B. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
The next type of manual therapy available to patients with a WAD is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. This usually involves a combination of soft tissue techniques and muscle energy techniques.
OMT is best used for subacute to chronic WAD. Current evidence indicates that OMT can be beneficial in managing chronic neck pain associated with WAD. OMT can be provided by Osteopathic physicians (DOs).
Places in Anchorage at which you can find such care include:
- Anchorage Osteopathic Clinic
- Family Medicine in Anchorage, Alaska
- Dr. Byron Perkins, DO at Sharecare
IV. Emerging and Adjunct Therapies
A. Virtual Reality (VR) Rehabilitation
As technology advances, new therapies are constantly being developed. One recently devised therapy is virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation. This allows the patient to practice and recover skills in a controlled, safe, simulated environment.
It is best used for chronic WAD with functional limitations. VR provides a space in which the patient can walk, reach for objects, or perform other common everyday skills without risk of further injury. Through such interactive VR exercises patients can improve their neck mobility and reduce pain.
VR Rehabilitation can be found at rehabilitation centers that offer such.
B. Telerehabilitation
Another new development in whiplash rehabilitation is Telerehabilitation. This is best for patients with limited access to in-person therapy. It provides a means for patients to engage in remote physical therapy sessions and allows the healthcare team to monitor the exercises performed.
Again, it can only be found at healthcare providers who specifically offer telehealth services. One such provider is:
- Integrative Physical Therapy and Spine Treatment Center
Conclusion
In general, whiplash treatment should be tailored to the severity of the individual’s injury as well as the duration of their symptoms. All told, evidence supports the use of active physical therapy and multidisciplinary approaches for effective management. The one critical takeaway is that patients should always consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Here at Better Health Alaska we offer numerous modalities under one roof. In fact, we offer both physical therapy, and chiropractic care – and we’ve been treating whiplash cases for over 25 years. So, if you are looking for treatment options for whiplash in Anchorage, Alaska, give us a call and we’ll get you in and seen.
Journals and Sources:
- Bussieres, A. E, et al. “The Treatment of Neck Pain–Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline,” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Oct. 2016, Vol. 39, Issue 8, p523-564.e27October 2016
https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754%2816%2930192-0/fulltext?utm_source=chatgpt.com - The University of Queensland Australia, “Whiplash treatment options”
(https://recover.centre.uq.edu.au/treatment?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - Teasell, W. R., et al., “A research synthesis of therapeutic interventions for whiplash-associated disorder (WAD): Part 2 – interventions for acute WAD,” PubMed Central, Pain Research and Management, 2010 Sep-Oct;15(5):295–304
(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2975532/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - Parera-Terull J., et al., “The Effects of Cervical Manipulation Compared with a Conventional Physiotherapy Program for Patients with Acute Whiplash Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, MDPI, 2025, vol. 13, issue 7. (https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/7/710?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
