What is the best doctor to go for if you have whiplash!?

Question

I was going to a physiotherapist for my back and it is much better, but I still have pain caused by whiplash. His nurse said he doesn't help with neck problems. I am at a loss and in much pain. I don't want to go to a chiropractor. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

This is what I teach in Med school, and also my specialty, so...

Most of the specialists who do well in Whiplash repair are very good at massage. They are sometimes Naturopaths or Chiropractors or Massage therapists or Physical therapists or Accupuncturists. It depends on your city or state. However, the best of the best all agree that we help your body help itself. It is NOT our theory or degree that determines how successful we are at healing your body, but rather, how good we are at listening to your body and responding to what it is you (your body) is asking for.

After a whiplash you have 3 or 4 requirements going on, including pain, distress, dysfunction, shock, and more pain. You need a therapist who can deal with all of these at the same time. This really requires a doctor level therapist, or at least a well-trained well-experienced masters level therapist who can work independently. In my state (Washington) Naturopathic doctors are often the best providers of this, but I have seen massage therapists and chiropractors who are willing to go the extra mile to provide the care you need. Typically, a bad whiplash may take 5-10 months to completely alleviate, but I would reccomend you stay away from anyone who tries to tell you it will probably take longer. YES, it is true that it takes a lot of visits, if you have a BAD whiplash, but most people (99%) heal almost completely (99%) within 5-10 months. Actually, most people heal much sooner because they don't have BAD whiplash. Find a therapist with a good success rate, lots of confidence in YOU, and a humble opinion of their craft, and you will heal quickly. Your pain is real, but so is your recovery. PS: I can be optimistic and honest because I am NOT being reviewed by your insurance company or lawyer. They would make me say much more guarded, pessimistic things. PS: yes, you should get a lawyer. They are on your side and they work for you. To pick one, just look in the yellow pages, and find one who specializes in Personal Injury, or EVEN BETTER: ask your prospective therapist who they recommend. If they have NO recommendation then they probably haven't done enough rehab to know a good lawyer and they also don't have the experience to treat you. Bottom line: GOOD massage is the best therapy (Consumer Reports, 2001) but they are hard to find. Often they will claim a specialty such as Feldenkreis or Rolfer, and that's good. Chiros are easy to find, but they usually don't take the time to do what you need (Consumer Reports) and Naturopathic Doctors (real ones-not fake) are rare, and they seldom specialize in Physical Medicine. Once in awhile my patients have gotten benefit from accupuncture, but its iffy. And Physical Therapists can be good if they have the experience. My friends who are PTs are wonderful, but most don't work in Whiplash. So for you, try out some massage therapy, or try another form, but make sure they will bill your insurance - that's another indicator that they are experienced.