Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the cervical spine caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration, most commonly from rear-end motor vehicle collisions.
Key Statistics
- ~1.2 million whiplash injuries per year in the U.S.
- Occurs in ~83% of car crash victims seeking medical attention
- ~50% develop chronic symptoms lasting >1 year ("late whiplash syndrome")
- Annual economic burden: >$30 billion in the U.S.
- Women report whiplash more frequently than men (~1.5–2:1)
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness (onset within 24 hours)
- Reduced range of motion
- Headaches (often occipital)
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Tingling in arms
- Dizziness, fatigue
- Cognitive complaints ("brain fog")
Treatment
- Early mobilization and physical therapy — outcomes better than prolonged collar use
- NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
- Trigger point injections for myofascial pain
- Cervical facet medial branch blocks / radiofrequency ablation for facet-mediated pain (effective in ~50–60% of chronic whiplash)
- Imaging to rule out occult disc herniation, ligamentous injury, or fracture
Common Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Tingling in arms
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
Treatment Options
Physical therapy
NSAIDs / muscle relaxants
Trigger point injections
Facet injections / RFA coordination
MRI evaluation for occult injury
Dr. Jerry Walters II
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert whiplash treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.