whiplash - again

I'm about to turn 39, female, and play ice hockey three times a week, both coed and women's.  I've been playing hockey for around five years now, and love it!

I've always been strong, but hockey's put me in the best shape I've ever been in.  And despite playing with guys and often with people younger than I am, I keep up, and don't get injured often at all.  

The only problem is the whiplash.  Last night I lost my edge and went into the boards, and although I got turned around and hit mostly with my butt and back, today (the day after) by around 5pm, I started to have neck stiffness, and sure enough tonight I have poor flexion, poor rotation, and if I go to lie down my neck on that side can't even tolerate the weight of my head.

Minor whiplash, I know, but I've had worse, and this is the *fourth* one I've had.  The first was the worst, and they're all from hockey (I don't do much else that's dangerous besides driving).

I keep getting this injury.  And where I'm generally quick to heal from the inevitable puck bruises, sprains and strains that go with the territory, these seem to heal slowly.

How (besides not playing hockey and that's NOT an option) can I prevent these?  Is there PT for a person's neck?  Can I do neck and shoulder exercises that will strengthen what's obviously a vulnerable area for me?  

Help!  I make light, but where the other injuries are minor (tonight I'm icing my back from the impact with the boards, for example), the whiplash hurts a lot, and affects me day to day.  How can I avoid it?  

THANKS!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Repeated episodes of whiplash can take several weeks to recover from.  Most cases requires conservative therapy, including physical therapy.

If there is evidence of neurological symptoms - such as weakness or numbess - an MRI of the cervical spine can be considered.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with physical therapy.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[caregiver222]

The symptoms suggest a subluxion. I can only relate personal anecdotal experiences, having had such an injury, and having ignored it because I enjoyed physical activity. That proved to be "plan stupid." I ended up with my arm and hand paralyzed for a year. And the pain was blackout level. I have no idea if this would happen to you. The main thing is to immediately reduce inflammation, provide good hydration, initial rest, then moderate exercise, and the daily intermittant application of axial traction with a home harness. I would recommend you locate a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of sports injuries.

[clovismanhunt]

I used to play football a lot, a whole lot. Have your ever tried using a neck collar? It keeps your neck from being extended too far upon a impact like you are getting. They do not restrict your movement much either and don't look bad. The "pros" use them regularly in football, maybe it Hockey it would help you?