Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma. Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries.

Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually — but not always — develop within 24 hours of the injury and may include; neck pain and stiffness, worsening of pain with neck movement, loss of range of motion in the neck, headaches (most often starting at the base of the skull), tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms, tingling or numbness in the arms, fatigue and dizziness.

Most patients with whiplash will improve within a few weeks with conservative care measures. However, in more severe cases symptoms can linger and supervised medical treatment is required. Treatment options can include acute pain management options such as physical therapy, medication, and injections. Physical therapy consists of both active and passive treatments. These treatments are utilized to stretch sore muscles, reduce muscle spasm, increase muscle blood flow, strengthen muscle, improve cervical range of motion and thereby reduce pain symptoms.