What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash — medically, cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) injury — occurs when the head snaps forcefully forward and backward, straining muscles, ligaments, and discs of the cervical spine. It's the most common injury in rear-end collisions but occurs in any impact direction.
Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms often don't appear for 24–72 hours post-accident — which is why seeing a doctor immediately matters even if you feel fine at the scene.
- Neck pain and stiffness — usually the first symptom
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Headaches — typically at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Arm numbness or tingling — may indicate nerve involvement
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Cognitive symptoms — brain fog, difficulty concentrating
Diagnosis
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury — invisible on X-ray. Proper diagnosis requires physical examination plus cervical MRI to evaluate discs, ligaments, and spinal cord. EMG/NCV testing is ordered if numbness or weakness suggests nerve involvement.
Why documentation matters legally: Documented MRI findings, range-of-motion deficits, and positive orthopedic tests distinguish a whiplash claim from a subjective complaint. MAIC provides comprehensive cervical evaluation with on-site MRI.
Treatment
Effective whiplash treatment at MAIC includes chiropractic care, physical therapy for range-of-motion restoration, and pain management if indicated. Untreated whiplash frequently becomes chronic — early care produces significantly better outcomes.