What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acceleration-Deceleration Injury of Neck
• Cervical Vertigo (Disorder)
• Whiplash Vertigo

What is Whiplash? (Definition/Background Information)

• Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs during a sudden, unexpected movement of the neck in a back and forth or sideways manner. This injury is common and occurs especially in a car accident
• Statistics indicate that car accidents seem to be extremely high among youngsters, and hence, they are more at risk for Whiplash Injuries. The other possible causes include physical abuse and participation in contact sports
• The treatment of Whiplash includes rest, use of ice packs, over-the-counter painkillers, and physical therapy. Most individuals recover completely, but a few continue to experience pain and discomfort for months or years after injury occurrence

Who gets Whiplash? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Whiplash can occur equally among both the male and female populations
• This condition is observed worldwide. There are no studies illustrating that the condition is more prevalent among a particular set of group
• However, statistics indicate that Whiplash Injuries are common among youngsters, who have a very risk of this condition
• Neonates may also be affected by Whiplash Injuries, as they are very vulnerable to rapid movement, while they are still in their early development stage. In such instances, if the head is not securely held when carrying or moving the child, they may be affected by the condition

What are the Risk Factors for Whiplash? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors associated with Whiplash include:

• Prior neck injury
• Underdeveloped neck structures
• Neonates or infants: Since the neck muscles in this age group is not well-developed and well-supported, even a minor back and forth (or sideways) motion of the neck can result in a Whiplash Injury
• Younger individuals
• Contact sports such as boxing, rugby, and American football
• Domestic or street violence causing injury to the neck
• Other associated factors that may influence the incidence of the condition include increased traffic density and automobile design

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Whiplash? (Etiology)

• Whiplash Injuries occur when there is a severe injury to the neck region causing the head to jerk either back and forth or sideways very rapidly
• The neck is held together by several muscles and tissues. Normally, a small strain may be experienced if one sits or sleeps in an abnormal position
• However, Whiplash is a sudden condition that occurs spontaneously, resulting in damage to the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other tissues in the neck

The possible causes of Whiplash include:

• Automobile accidents: Most Whiplash Injuries are observed at accident speeds less than 12 miles per hour or 20 kilometers per hour (low speed injuries)
• Physical abuse and violence
• Contact sports such as ice hockey, boxing, soccer, and rugby

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash?

The signs and symptoms associated with Whiplash include:

• Severe neck pain
• Throbbing headache
• Worsening of neck pain with movements, restricted neck movements
• Decreased conscious level/awareness
• Inability to sleep or sleep disturbance
• Generalized pain along the shoulders and arms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Dizziness, blurring of vision
• Ringing in the ear

How is Whiplash Diagnosed?

Whiplash Injuries may be diagnosed by a thorough physical examination and evaluating one’s medical history.

• During the history taking, a description of the events that took place before the accident/symptom development is important
• During physical examination, the physician may be able to identify pain with light touch to the affected region
• Imaging studies may include the following:
  • X-ray of the neck and spinal cord to identify any dislocation and to locate the area that is affected
  • CT and MRI scans (of the head and neck region) may help assess and evaluate damage to the head and spinal cord region

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Whiplash?

The possible complications associated with Whiplash include:

• Long term pain
• Abnormality in the spine; especially the discs and ligaments
• Osteoarthritis of cervical spine
• Permanent damage or disability to the spine (occurs in about 1 in 10 cases)

How is Whiplash Treated?

The treatment of Whiplash Injuries may include:

• Adequate rest (following the first 24 hours of injury)
• Application of ice or heat using ice packs or heat packs over the injured area
• Over-the-counter pain medications such as tylenol or motrin
• Muscle relaxants to help one sleep better
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles, improve posture, and restore normal movement
• Soft foam cervical collar to support the neck, especially in the first week post-injury. It may be also worn during the night to support the neck while sleeping
• A surgery may be required if the injury is severe

How can Whiplash be Prevented?

The following measures may be helpful in preventing a Whiplash Injury:

• Wearing of seat belts, using protective sports gear (helmets, chest guards)
• If there is a proper support for the neck (that is already inserted in the car), it can help prevent damage to the neck in case of a car accident
• Individuals who suffer from Whiplash can be taught proper exercises and therapy techniques to effectively get rid of the pain and overcome the symptoms earlier

What is the Prognosis of Whiplash? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Whiplash is good as long as proper and immediate medical attention is available and the treatment started early
• Most individuals recover fully, but a few may continue to experience pain for months or years after the injury occurred
• In some cases, permanent disabilities may occur if the injuries sustained to the neck and spine are severe

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Whiplash:

It has been observed that most Whiplash Injuries due to automobile accidents occur when vehicles travel at relatively slower speeds.