Signs and Symptoms
Whiplash, also called cervical sprain, cervical strain, or hyperextension injury, is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck.
Symptoms of whiplash may not present for 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. The most common symptom after a whiplash injury is neck pain or stiffness. People who experience whiplash may develop one or more of the following symptoms, usually within the first few days after the injury.
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pain in the arms, shoulders or between the shoulder blades
- Low back pain
- Altered sensation such as pins and needles or numbness
- Weakness
- Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue