Head / Neck Pain
Whiplash injury & cervicogenic headaches.
Millions of people have suffered velocity-induced whiplash. If you have ever been hit from behind in a motor vehicle crash, you have some idea what this type of whiplash injury feels like.
After the sudden acceleration-deceleration force of a car accident, whiplash can cause damage to bone structures and soft tissues. Symptoms commonly attributed to whiplash may include:
- Neck pain & stiffness
- Cervicogenic headache
- Shoulder pain & stiffness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Jaw pain & TMJ symptoms
- Back pain
- Arm pain & weakness
- Vision problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Physical therapy can be useful for strengthening neck muscles and reducing painful motions.
What about cervicogenic headaches?
These strange headaches originate in the neck. They come from a variety of neck disorders, including the anatomical structures of the cervical spine. Cervicogenic headaches are often caused by unusual neck movement (e.g. whiplash) or sustained awkward positioning of the head. Symptoms may include restricted cervical range of motion and neck, shoulder or arm pain.
The treatment for cervicogenic headache involves a comprehensive evaluation of possible causes and contributing factors. Some injection therapies are effective in treating these headaches. One of the most effective injections are X-ray-guided facet joint blocks.
Kenneth C. Lewis, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist who is well-trained, skilled and experienced in these procedures. He has helped many people overcome painful headaches and whiplash injuries and he encourages and welcomes your referrals. We have 4 convenient locations in Grand Junction, Fruita and Rangley, Colorado.
For more information about head and neck pain please visit our Patient Education Library. To schedule an appointment, please call Western Rockies Interventional Pain Management at 970-270-2259 or use our Interactive Online Appointment Request Form.