Major study questions the use of muscle relaxants, pain medications and NSAIDs in whiplash

A scientific review published in 2007 casts doubt on many common whiplash treatments. Despite billions spent on scientific research each year, it is surprising that many common treatments lack valid scientific evidence for safety and effectiveness.

Researchers from the Chochrane group retrieved studies that took place over the past two decades. They specifically looked at medical treatments in whiplash and other mechanical neck disorders. Surprisingly few studies were found, and the studies actually conducted were of very limited quality.

An area of evidence that was especially weak was studies of muscle relaxants (used to relax muscles), analgesics (to block pain signals), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs (to reduce inflammation). The authors concluded that their benefits are not proven in solid scientific studies, yet these medications are the most common treatment of whiplash in a medical office or hospital.

Of course, this report received little media attention, and we continue to see advertisements that tell patients to go for a pill to help their mechanical neck pain or whiplash. Rarely are viable options such as conservative chiropractic care discussed. Most patients who get whiplash injuries follow the medical approach of drugs and sometimes even surgery.

Perhaps you may want to consider a mechanical approach for a mechanical problem such as whiplash. Consuming many medications over several months or even years is not going to cure your mechanical problems. And when these medications are consumed over long periods of time, NSAIDs in particular can lead to stomach bleeding and other complications, such as liver and kidney problems.

Simply blocking pain signals is not going to get at the cause of your pain, which is usually a sprain of the small joints of the spine. Chiropractors understand this and offer a more natural solution for assisting patients who have suffered a whiplash injury.

For more information, contact Dr. Wendy at haydenhealth@gmail.com.