What does whiplash look like

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Pain management specialist Robert Bolash, MD, answers our questions about what causes whiplash, who is more at risk and how long it may last. A: People associate whiplash with a motor vehicle collision, and that often is the cause.

But it can also happen with a sports injury, physical abuse such as being violently shaken by the shoulders or by being punched. These all can cause an intense flexing and extension of the neck — a movement similar to when you nod your head to say yes. Whiplash happens when structures in your neck, including discs, ligaments, nerves or muscles, are damaged. Sometimes a small vessel tears after an accident and releases inflammatory substances in the neck, causing swelling and pain.

A: You might feel symptoms of whiplash immediately after the injury, or they can show up several days later. Common signs of whiplash include:.

A: Your assessment will start with a physical exam. Depending on the results, a doctor might order a magnetic resonance imaging MRI , computed tomography CT scan or X-ray if they suspect whiplash. But for most people, the injury occurs within structures too small to be seen in these tests.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Elsevier; Accessed Dec.

Giangarra CE, et al. Whiplash injury: Treatment and rehabilitation. NINDS whiplash information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Miller MD, et al. Chiropractors must be licensed to practice in the United States. Learn more about their training and what to expect at your appointment. Post-concussion syndrome refers to lingering symptoms after a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury TBI.

To avoid the side effects and possible toxicity of medications, you might turn to natural painkillers instead. Check out these five surprising options. Traumatic events can cause physical, emotional, or psychological, harm.

Learn how to cope and when you should talk with a professional. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.

How do whiplash injuries occur? What does whiplash feel like? How is whiplash diagnosed? Treatment for whiplash. Complications associated with whiplash. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Fixing Upper Back and Neck Pain. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Treating Pain with Heat and Cold. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.