1. Whiplash:
Neck Trauma and
Treatment

2. If you have ever been in a car crash and experienced pain in your neck, you
have most likely had whiplash. Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck
strain, is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. It is usually caused by
sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward
movement of the neck). This type of injury is often the result of rear-end car
crashes. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral
joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots.
What Is It?
Whiplash is a collective term used to describe the injuries to the cervical
spine (neck). This condition often results from an automobile collision, which
suddenly forces the head and neck to whip back and forth
(hyperflexion/hyperextension).
Symptoms of Whiplash
Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or
several days later. Other symptoms of whiplash may include the following:

3.  Neck stiffness
 Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
 Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion)
 Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness (could indicate injury to
the esophagus and larynx)
 Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called
paresthesias)
 Shoulder pain
 Back pain
Diagnosis of Whiplash
Although whiplash usually only causes damage to the soft tissues of the
neck, the physician will take x-rays of the cervical spine for reference in
case of delayed symptoms and to rule out other spinal problems or injuries.

4. Treatment
Fortunately, whiplash is treatable and most symptoms resolve completely.
Initially, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar. This collar may need
to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks.
 Other treatments for individuals with whiplash may include the following:
 Heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain
 Pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs)
 Muscle relaxants
 Range of motion exercises and physical therapy
For most patients, the symptoms of whiplash usually subside in 2 to 4
weeks. Patients who continue to have symptoms despite treatment may find
temporary relief by keeping the neck immobilized using a halter in the office
or at home. This is referred to as cervical traction. Local anesthetic
injections may also be helpful.

5. If symptoms continue or worsen after 6 to 8 weeks, further x-rays and other
diagnostic testing may be necessary to see if the patient suffered a more
severe injury. Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the
intervertebral discs. If this occurs, surgical repair of the discs may become
necessary.
POSTED BY ATTORNEY RENE G. GARCIA:
For more information:- Some of our clients have suffered this kind of
injuries due to a serious accident. The Garcia Law Firm, P.C. was able to
successfully handle these types of cases. For a free consultation please call
us at 1-866- SCAFFOLD or 212-725-1313.
http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/whiplash/whiplash-neck-trauma-treatment