A common injury that affects millions of people every year, whiplash most often develops as the result of a traffic accident. The condition commonly occurs when a car or other motor vehicle suddenly stops, causing the occupant (you) to spring forward and then backward—or vice versa. This causes strain to your neck (cervical spine). Depending on how fast the vehicle was moving at the time of the accident, whiplash could be a mild or severe injury. Lacking proper treatment, whiplash could lead to ongoing pain and physical weakness.
Speak with an orthopedic expert about whiplash.
Signs and Symptoms
While the effects of whiplash depend on how the injury was caused and whether or not immediate medical attention was provided, common symptoms include the following.
- Pain in the neck, shoulder and back
- Stiffness in the affected area
- Numbness in your hand or arm
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or loss of sleep
- Mobility issues, such as turning your head
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
Risk Factors and Preventions
Although any motor vehicle accident can lead to a whiplash injury, the rear-end accident contributes to most cases. Occurring when a vehicle crashes into the back of your car, the rear-end accident creates the forward-backward whipping motion that causes neck injury. Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective method of preventing whiplash.
Other situations that can increase the risk of whiplash include physical abuse, assault or any contact sports that involve being struck in the head or shaken.
How We Diagnose Whiplash
Our experts use the following procedures to diagnose whiplash.
- Physical Exam: In most cases, our experts can accurately diagnose whiplash by examining the physical symptoms of the condition.
- X-ray: A common medical imaging procedure, X-rays use radiation to capture colorless images of your bones, joints and soft tissue.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A combination of a magnetic field and radio waves creates three-dimensional images of specific areas of your body.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Certified experts use computer-processed X-rays to generate a scan of your body in “slices” to create highly accurate images.
Treatment Options
Our orthopedic experts consider several factors when outlining your treatment plan, including your age, medical history and the severity of your case. For less advanced cases of whiplash, our experts may recommend conservative pain management approaches, such as rest, applying a cold compress, and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs like ibuprofen. Some cases may require physical therapy or the use of a foam collar to provide stabilizing support to your neck. Speak with an expert about treatment for whiplash.