Acute neck pain and whiplash

Whiplash has recently been defined by the Quebec Task Force as "an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck. It may result from rear-end or side-impact motor vehicle collisions, but can also occur during diving or other mishaps". Whiplash injuries generally are not life-threatening and in most cases, symptoms are transient and possibly go unreported. The most common cause of whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is rear-end collisions. In a rear-end collision, the chest is thrust forward causing rapid hyperextension and tension of the lower cervical spine with flexion of the upper cervical spine causing an "S" shape of the spine. The diagnosis of WAD is primarily clinical. In the acute, posttrauma setting, ruling out fracture or spinal cord compression is important. The goal is pain relief and return to normal function and activities of daily living as soon as possible. Appropriate management of acute pain reduces risk of chronic pain.