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Treatment Grid
Treatment for whiplash isn't well studied. While there are many claims, most of the hype is more marketing than proven science. Here is a consumer reports style list of some things that that seem to help. Remember that any treatment that gives you only temporary relief without progress over several weeks is probably not effective. Consult your doctor if you have questions.
Treatment Scientific Evidence for Whiplash Seems to Work Factor Best for... Comments...
Acupuncture

Acupressure

 None, no studies performed in the last 10 years High Short-term pain relief..a few people get more long lasting relief.  Probably better for patients who respond well to modalities like TENS or MENS. Unlikely to speed recovery, good to help relieve pain...
Chiropractic Some, generally small studies High First 12 weeks and for lost range of motion in sub-acute and chronic cases. May help speed recovery in some cases...  Chiropractors see a lot of whiplash cases and are therefore usually a safe bet.
Collars None Low Instability Most recent research seems to show that these don't work and may be harmful...
ETPS new click here High muscle and nerve pain good to help relieve pain
Injections (Facet) Good Fair-Good Injured facet joints and joints irritated by loss of motion elsewhere. A good way to get severe neck pain calmed down so that rehab can take place.
Injections (Epidural Steroid) Good (Click Here) Good to High Pinched nerves, herniated discs, chemical radiculitis A good way to avoid surgery.
Injections (Selective Nerve Root Block) Fair Good to High Pinched nerves, herniated discs, chemical radiculitis A good way to avoid surgery or localize a level for surgery.
Injections (SI Joint) Good Good to High SI Joint Syndrome A good way to calm down an inflammed SI joint so that other types of rehab can ensue.
Massage None High Muscle spasm and tightness. Some long term relief, but mostly short-term.
MedX Good High Unless Significant Facet Syndrome or Instability Patient's with posture problems who feel like their head weighs a million pounds. A good treatment, focus on wether you feel better and not on the fancy graphs and numbers.
Physical Therapy Fair to Good High Lost range of motion, stiffness, many aspects of acute, sub-acute, and chronic whiplash care. Many PT's don't have a strong educational background in how to treat whiplash.  Ask what type of special training they've had in this area.
TENS Good evidence for pain relief... High Short-term pain relief in patients who want to stay away from medications... Can be helpful in those with more chronic conditions, not curative...
Traction Fair High Facet syndrome and numbness down an arm. Many good home units on the market that may be as effective as getting traction in a clinic.
Pilates None High Mild weakness and postural problems... Concentrate on the exercises you won't need thousands of dollars of equipment to do at home.
Rolfing None High Postural problems Stick to the 10 sessions.
Surgery Fair Very Case Specific Herniated discs that can't be treated conservatively, bony arthritis, instability Can be very helpful in the right patients, but also the most invasive and risky treatment in this list.
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