Jose G. Veliz, M.D. M.S.A.
Medical Director
Palomar Pain Management Center
Pomerado Pain Management Center

Posted: December 13, 2007 1:27 PM

An injury following an abnormal force or motion applied to the neck results in movement beyond the normal range of motion associated with the neck. This is called whiplash. Whiplash describes a multitude of symptoms which occur follow injury to the neck, often due to sudden flexion and extension. Whiplash may include injury to the cervical muscles, nerve roots, ligaments, or discs as well as intervertebral joints. Whiplash most frequently involves injury to the intervertebral joints of the neck.

Symptoms may occur immediately or may be delayed for several days. The most common cause of whiplash is a motor vehicle accident. However, whiplash can occur with accidental falls, assault or sporting injuries. In addition to pain, other whiplash symptoms may include headache, dizziness, neck stiffness, muscle spasms, abnormal sensations, shoulder pain or back pain. Occasionally, people may develop memory loss, nervousness, irritability, concentration impairment, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, depression or sleep disturbances.

A motor vehicle accident during which a vehicle is traveling as slowly as 15 miles per hour may result in whiplash. This can also transpire in cases of child abuse or repetitive stress injuries - such as those occurring with desk jobs. 911 emergency services should be called if any of the following symptoms arises shortly after injury: pain in one or both arms, shoulder pain, neck pain, dizziness or headache, in addition to numbness, tingling and weakness in arms or legs. Whiplash can occur even in the event that x-rays, MRIs or CT scans are normal.

Treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and a cervical collar. Other treatments utilized may be ice for the first 24 hours, then gentle, active movement after 24 hours, and physical therapy. 72 hours after the injury, heat therapy may be combined with mild range of motion exercises.

Most patients recover within three months after the whiplash injury. 40% experience continuing symptoms after three months and 18% report persistent symptoms after two years. A shorter time elapsing between the injury and the onset of symptoms is associated with a severe injury which may result in long term complications.

Preventative measure to lessen the likelihood of whiplash may include the use of a seatbelt and adjusting the headrest so that the middle of the headrest is even with the upper tips of the ears.

References: "Medicine Net. Com." "NINDS - Whiplash Information Page." "www.healthsystem.virginia.edu."