Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.

Effects on spine

What does whiplash do to the spine?

Whiplash typically occurs when your head is forcefully and quickly thrown backward and then forward. This motion can injure bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck.

Vertebrae

What vertebrae are affected by whiplash?

The most recent literature suggests that whiplash injury may occur as a result of hyperextension of the lower cervical vertebrae in relation to a relative flexion of the upper cervical vertebrae, which produces an S-shape of the cervical spine at the time of impact.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage from whiplash

Referred Pain After WhiplashWhiplash pain can often be felt in other parts of the body, causing arm or shoulder pain. This is known as referred pain and is caused by nerves damaged near where they enter the spinal cord at the C-spine level (Cervical spine).

Effects of untreated

What happens if whiplash goes untreated?

Untreated whiplash can trigger symptoms of degenerative disc disease that previously went unnoticed. Discs between spinal vertebrae usually act as shock absorbers and help bend the back. Still, with degenerative disc disease, the discs are worn down and offer less protection from injury and movement.

Type of injuries

What type of injury is commonly associated with whiplash?

Whiplash typically occurs when your head is forcefully and quickly thrown backward and then forward. This motion can injure bones in the spine, disks between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves and other tissues of the neck.

Overview

What is whiplash back injury?

What is whiplash of the lower back? Whiplash of the lower back is caused by a sharp, sudden movement of the trunk either forwards, backwards or to the side. The injury is similar to whiplash of the neck but involves the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the lower back.

Back

Whiplash back symptoms

Symptoms of Whiplash (Lower Back)

Back Pain.Pain Radiating Down the Buttocks and Legs.Swelling and Stiffness.Loss of Range of Motion.Difficulty Standing or Walking.Weakness.Numbness.Muscle Spasms.

Type

What type of injury is whiplash?

Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion (bending).

Herniated disc

Herniated disc from whiplash

Yes, whiplash can be a direct cause of herniated discs in certain instances. While whiplash itself can often heal on its own with time, herniated discs often cause immense pain that needs treatment. In some instances, whiplash injuries are not immediately apparent right after a crash.

Orthopedic physician

While your primary care physician is capable of identifying and treating whiplash, the best doctor for diagnosis and treatment would be an orthopedic physician.