Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the neck caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward, and often occurs as a result of a car accident. There are seven closely connected bones in your neck and a sprain or tear can occur in any of these ligaments which can cause pain or discomfort. Something as easy as a fender-bender, a sport related injury, or even an improper lifting technique can damage your neck.

Symptoms of whiplash may be delayed for 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. However, people who experience whiplash may develop one or more of the following symptoms, usually within the first few days after the injury:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• Low back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue

To diagnosis a neck sprain, one of our doctors will need to perform a comprehensive physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will ask you how the injury occurred, measure the range of motion of your neck, and check for any point tenderness.

X-rays may be requested so the doctor can look closely at the bones in your neck. This evaluation will help us rule out or identify other sources of neck pain, such as spinal fractures, dislocations, arthritis, and other serious conditions.

Taken from ZeroSpinePain.com