In this Article

• What is whiplash?
• What causes whiplash?
• What are the symptoms of whiplash?
• How is whiplash diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for whiplash?
• What can be done to prevent whiplash?
• Whiplash At A Glance
• Whiplash Glossary
• Whiplash Index

What can be done to prevent whiplash?

While it is not always possible to prevent accidents, advances in automobile safety have attempted to reduce the associated risks. Many advances in seat belts and head restraints have been able to reduce the risk of whiplash injury. The proper use of these devices is crucial to their success in preventing injury. Head restraints are designed to prevent the head from moving into hyperextension when struck from behind. In order for this to work properly, the head restraint should be optimally positioned directly behind the head. If the head restraint is lowered below the level of the head it could actually force the head into further hyperextension after an impact. Many automobiles have additional safety equipment including air bags and air curtains to further protect drivers and passengers from injury.

Whiplash At A Glance

• Whiplash is a relatively common injury that is often ignored or mistreated due to lack of understanding of the condition.
  
  
• Whiplash is usually the result of a rear impact while in a stationary position.
  
  
• Early range of motion and exercises lead to a more rapid recovery than prolonged immobilization or use of a cervical collar.
  
  
• Failure to properly educate and treat patients with whiplash can lead to chronic psychosocial symptoms including depression and anxiety.

References:

Crowe H. Injuries to the cervical spine. Western Orthop Assoc., San Francisco, CA, 1928.

Spitzer WO, Skovron ML, Salmi LR, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders: redefining whiplash and its management. Spine 1995;20:2S-73S.

Freeman MD. A review and methodologic critique of the literature refuting whiplash syndrome. Spine 1999;24:86-98.

Bogduk N. The anatomy and pathophysiology of whiplash. Clin Biomech 1986;1:92-101.

Kaneoka K, Ono K, Inami S, Hayashi K. Motion analysis of cervical vertebrae during whiplash loading. Spine 1999;24:763-770.

Panjabi MM, Cholewicki J, Nibu K, et al. Simulation of whiplash trauma using whole cervical spine specimens. Spine 1998;23:17-24.

McKinney LA, Dornan JO, Ryan M. The role of physiotherapy in the management of acute neck sprains following road-traffic accidents. Arch Emerg Med 1989;6:27-33.

Mealy K, Brennan H, Fenelon GC. Early mobilization of acute whiplash injuries. BMJ 1986;292:656-657.

Rosenfeld M, Gunnarsson R, Borenstein P. Early intervention in whiplash-associated disorders. A comparison of two treatment protocols. Spine 2000;25:1782-1787.

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