Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck. It is also called neck sprain or neck strain. The injury is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion. Whiplash commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to:
- Intervertebral joints
- Discs
- Ligaments
- Cervical muscles
- Nerve roots.
Whiplash symptoms may appear directly after the injury or they may be delayed for several days. Possible symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sensations, such as burning or prickling (paresthesias)
- Shoulder or back pain.
In addition, some people with whiplash experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions, such as:
- Memory loss
- Concentration impairment
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Depression.
Treatment may include:
- Pain medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
- Cervical collar (usually worn for two to three weeks)
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Physical therapy
- Cervical traction
- Supplemental heat application (may relieve muscle tension).
Prognosis for People With Whiplash
In most cases, the prognosis for individuals with whiplash is good. The neck and head pain will usually clear within a few days or weeks, and most patients recover within three months after the injury. However, some people with whiplash may continue to have residual neck pain and
headaches.
