Whiplash (Acceleration-Deceleration Injury) 

A whiplash injury may be the result of impulsive stretching or tearing of the spine, mainly of the anterior longitudinal ligament, as the head snaps forward and then back again. Whiplash may be caused by any motion similar to a rear-end collision in a motor vehicle, such as may take place on a roller coaster, sports injuries such as skiing accidents or tackle football, or a even slipping.

Symptoms reported by sufferers include: pain and aching to the neck and back, referred pain to the shoulders, sensory disturbance (such as pins and needles) to the arms & legs and headaches. Symptoms can appear directly after the injury, but often are not felt until days after. Whiplash is usually confined around the spinal cord, and the most common areas of the spinal cord affected by whiplash are the neck, and the mid-back (middle of the spine). However, the stabilizing muscles of the neck and back are often negatively affected and contribute significantly to the discomfort.

Onset can be as long as 6 weeks after the injury.

Recover times tend to be dependent on how much of the injury is due to muscle strain versus the ligament and tendon sprain.

Concussion is often associated with whiplash, both mild and severe. Doctor Schuster can help support other practitioners and aid in recovery time.

Quick Facts

• Common after auto accidents and sports collisions
• Pain in the neck and back
• Usually not felt immediately