Whiplash, also called neck sprain or strain is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. It is usually caused by sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck). This type of injury is often the result of rear-end car crashes. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots.
Symptoms
- Pain (often in the back of the neck) that worsens with movement
- Muscle spasms in the upper shoulder
- Headaches-typically in the back of the head
- Neck stiffness- decreased neck range of motion
- Numbness in the arm or hand
- Tingling or weakness in the arms
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Causes
- Car accident
- Sports collision
Risk Factors
- Contact sports
- Pre-existing neck or back pain
- Older age
- History of whiplash
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination of your back.
- X-rays: X-rays will be performed to rule out any damage to the cervical vertebrae which may be additional causes of neck pain.
Treatment
- Whiplash, also known as a neck strain or sprain, is easily treatable and most symptoms resolve completely after 2 to 4 weeks. If damage to the intervertebral disc occurs, surgical repair of the discs may become necessary.
Whiplash, also known as a neck strain or sprain, is treatable and most symptoms resolve completely after treatment.
- Soft cervical collar to support the head and relieve pressure on the ligaments
- 2-3 weeks
- Cold therapy
- 15-20 minutes at a time, 3x/day
- First 2 or 3 days after the injury occurs
- Reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain
- Loosen cramped muscles
- Pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Muscle relaxants to ease spasms
- Range of motion exercises and physical therapy
- Massaging of tender areas
If symptoms continue or worsen, further X-rays and other diagnostic testing may be necessary to see if the patient suffered a more severe injury.
Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this occurs, surgical repair of the discs may become necessary.
Who qualifies for surgery? Patients who damage their intervertebral discs.
Recovery:
- Symptoms usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks, however, more severe cases may take longer to completely heal.
Outcomes
- Complete resolution of symptoms after treatment
