Whiplash (medicine)

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck[1] associated with rapid acceleration-deceleration forces. It occurs most commonly in motor vehicle accidents. The term "whiplash" was first used in 1928, and despite its not being a medical term, it is commonly used to describe a range of injuries.

Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms reported by patients that are associated with the whiplash mechanism of injury include: neck pain and stiffness, headache, shoulder pain and stiffness, dizziness, fatigue, jaw pain, arm pain, arm weakness, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears and back pain.[2]

Causes[edit | edit source]

Whiplash is commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents, usually when the vehicle has been hit in the rear.[3]

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of whiplash is usually made on the basis of the patient's history and the clinical examination.[4]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of whiplash is usually conservative, and includes physical therapy, pain medication, and possibly injections.[5]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Whiplash (medicine) Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD