Whiplash injury, also known as neck sprain or strain, is the sudden and rapid jerking of the neck backward and forward, resulting in damage to the neck’s soft tissues (such as ligaments and nerves). Depending on which tissues in the neck are affected (including intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots), it can cause mild to severe symptoms. Ligaments can tear, tendons and muscles can be stretched, and discs can herniate among neck injuries.
What Causes Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash injury can occur after car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other sudden movements of the head, causing damage to the soft tissues in the neck. The extent and type of injuries can vary significantly.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash Injury?
Whiplash symptoms may not appear until one to two days after the injury. When symptoms do arise, they can include:
- Pain and stiffness in the front and back of the neck (pain may worsen when turning the head to the left or right)
- Headaches
- Pain between the shoulders or in the upper back
- Lower back pain
- Pain or numbness in the arms and/or hands
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Swallowing difficulties
- Stomach problems
- Tingling sensation in the shoulders or arms
How Is Whiplash Injury Diagnosed?
In most cases, whiplash injury can be diagnosed by your doctor through a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Since most whiplash cases involve soft tissues such as discs, muscles, and ligaments, they may not be visible in X-ray images. Specific imaging tests like CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis but are not always required.
How Is Whiplash Injury Treated?
In the past, whiplash injuries were often treated with immobilization using a neck brace. Current treatment approaches, however, encourage early movement instead of immobilization.
During the first 24 hours after the trauma, applying ice can be beneficial, followed by gentle active movement. Other treatments for whiplash injury may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Antidepressants
- Exercises
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Massage
- Heat therapy
- Injections
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with a TENS unit
- Chiropractic spinal manipulation