What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury that results from a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. It is most caused by rear-end car crashes but can also result from sports accidents and other types of traumas, like a hard fall. Whiplash is also often referred to as a neck sprain or strain.
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash most commonly occurs when the head is quickly thrown backward and then forward with force because of a traumatic event. This motion can cause damage to the muscles and tissues of the neck. Common risk factors for whiplash include:
- Rear-end car crash.
- Physical abuse or assault – Whiplash can also occur if you are punched or shaken. It is commonly seen among shaken baby syndrome.
- Contact sports – sports that have frequent contact hits, such as football, commonly see whiplash injuries.
What are symptoms of whiplash?
Though people may not experience pain immediately, symptoms typically start within days of the injury. Common symptoms may include:
- Neck and pain stiffness.
- Pain that gets worse 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.
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Less common but possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Trouble focusing.
- Memory problems.
- Depression.
If you have neck pain or other whiplash symptoms following a traumatic event, it is important to contact your provider immediately to prevent further damage and get treatment right away.
How is whiplash diagnosed?
Your provider will perform a physical examination and review your previous medical history. During the exam, your provider will need to touch and move your head, neck and arms to check:
- Range of motion in your head and shoulders.
- What motions cause the most pain.
- Tenderness in your neck, shoulders or back.
- Reflexes, strength and feeling in your limbs.
Because whiplash injuries affect the muscles and tissues of the neck, it doesn’t always show up on imaging tests. However, tests lie a CT scan or MRI may be needed to show soft tissue injuries, such as damage to the spinal cord, discs, or ligaments.
How is whiplash treated?
Treatments will vary depending on the severity of your whiplash injury. For less severe cases, your provider may recommend medication and rest. For more severe cases, prescription medication, pain treatment or physical therapy may be recommended. The goal of the treatment plan is to control your pain and restore the range of motion in your neck.
Managing the pain is an important factor in healing from whiplash. Common forms of pain management include:
- Rest may be recommended for a day or two after your injury.
- Heat or cold on the neck for 15 minutes every 3 hours.
- Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control mild to moderate whiplash pain.
- Prescription pain medications, such as antidepressants for people with more severe pain.
- Muscle relaxants can help loosen tight muscles and soothe pain.
- Numbing medication can be injected into painful areas to help decrease pain.
Your provider may recommend stretching and movement exercises you can perform at home to help restore range of motion in your neck. If you have ongoing whiplash pain or need additional help restoring range of motion, physical therapy may help you to feel better and prevent further injury. Your physical therapist will work with you to create the best treatment plan to strengthen muscle, improve posture and restore movement.
Most people who experience whiplash feel better within a few weeks but can vary depending on the severity of the injury and response to treatment. In most cases, there are no lasting effects from the injury, but some people have pain for months or years following. Talk with your provider if your pain and symptoms do not improve after several months of your injury to discuss other treatment options..