What is whiplash
Whiplash is a common term for sudden acceleration-deceleration forces on the neck as a result of rear-end or side impact motor vehicle collisions, diving accidents and/or other mishaps.
These forces may result in bony or soft tissue injuries such as discs, ligaments, tendons, neck muscles, and nerve roots.
Other terms:
- neck strain
- acceleration flexion-extension neck injury
- soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury
What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)?
WAD is a term used to describe a range of symptoms resulting from whiplash. These can vary from no symptoms to severe.
WAD injuries are usually graded on a severity scale between 0-4.
|
Grade 0 |
No pain or discomfort. No physical signs of injury. |
|---|---|
|
Grade 1 |
Neck pain, stiffness or tenderness. No physical signs of injury. |
|
Grade 2 |
Neck pain, stiffness or tenderness and some physical signs of injury such as point tenderness or trouble turning the head. |
|
Grade 3 |
Pain, stiffness or tenderness and neurological signs of injury, such as changes to reflexes or weakness in the arms. |
|
Grade 4 |
Pain and fracture or dislocation of the neck. |
Whiplash symptoms
The most common symptom after a whiplash injury is neck pain or stiffness. This can occur immediately after the injury or even after a few days.
Other symptoms may include:
- headaches
- pain in the shoulders and arms
- dizziness
- altered sensation such as pins and needles or numbness
- weakness
- visual and auditory symptoms
- dysphagia
- concentration difficulties