Whiplash

Whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can be exhibited as a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck called extension. Although it is commonly associated with rear-impact motor vehicle accidents, the injury can be sustained in many other ways, including falls from bicycles, chairs and stools, or even horses. It is one of the main injuries covered by car insurers.

Symptoms

You may notice an immediate pain and aching, or nothing at all in the beginning stages. Whiplash can gradually invade your life with headaches, back and neck pain, memory loss, and weakness in limbs. Mild to progressively severe disability has been reported.

• Mild or intense neck pain
• Stiffness and tension, inability to rotate the head
• Mild or intense headaches
• Migraines, sensory deficits with hearing and smell
• Trouble controlling limbs, loss of balance
• Cerebral blood flow interruption causing dizziness
• Pain moving or lifting the arms
• Dislocation, spinal damage, herniated disc symptoms

What To Do on Whiplash

X-rays, films, and other tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, and electromyography can be used to further define the exact causes of whiplash. The image and resolution produced by MRI are quite detailed and can detect tiny changes in structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.