What is Whiplash? Is it Painful?
Neck pain might be attributed to whiplash, however whiplash isn’t the only cause of neck pain. Personal injury attorneys, plaintiff and defense, ask me about diagnosis of whiplash and causation related to impact injuries including from car accidents. For that reason, I wanted to specifically discuss it.
What causes Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when there is a hyperflexion and then hyperextension event affecting the cervical spine mainly by rear-ended motor vehicle accidents, but can happen by head-on or side collisions or other sudden impact events.
This is a passive movement of the cervical spine as the collision is too quick for the stabilizers of the spine to support the cervical spine. Muscular strains and sprains can occur which heal relatively quickly. Other structures are at risk for injury including the disk, ligaments, and facet joints.
Symptoms
Mostly an individual experiences neck pain and headaches, less commonly shoulder pain, and arm pain. Neurological deficits are rare.
Diagnostic Testing
To diagnose Whiplash, imaging can include X-rays, CT or MRI. These may also address if there is any neurological deficits or concern for a fracture.
Treatments
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and injections if necessary. Education is important on the prognosis and usual course of treatment.
The prognosis for recovery is usually 2-3 months and occasionally up to 2 years.
