Sprained neck, or whiplash, is when the neck has been injured. This injury is caused by hyper extension/flexion to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spines, and is commonly associated with car accidents or similar experiences. Click here for more information, including gradation of severity for a whiplash diagnosis.

Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Limited range of lateral motion
• Pain in the neck and back
• Referred pain to the shoulders
• Pins and needles in the arms and legs

An MRI or CT scan is often used to confirm the extent of the damage, especially if there is concern that a disk has been torn.

Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment extends from self-care application of ice and use of analgesics, neck massage,immobilization of the neck through use of a cervical collar, or physical therapy.