A whiplash injury can happen when the neck is forced forward and backward in a fast motion. This cervical spine injury may occur in a fall or accident and has varied symptoms. Some common whiplash symptoms include neck pain or stiffness, shoulder and back pain .
Patients who suspect whiplash should seek a professional diagnosis. Initial diagnosis may be performed by an internist or family physician.
Whiplash Diagnostic Questions
A medical history may ask questions about a patient's overall physical and mental health. This gives the doctor information about the extent and location of a cervical injury. Some whiplash diagnostic questions may include:
- Have you experienced any recent accidents or injuries? A patient may have experienced a fall or been in a car accident.
- When did the accident or injury occur? The answer to this question provides a timeline for the pain.
- Which neck and pain treatments have you used? The answer to this question allows the doctor to learn which pain treatments are working.
Whiplash Physical Examination
A physical examination of the head and neck can help diagnose. Personal injury lawyers and car insurance companies can use an examination to decide whiplash compensation claims.
Motor vehicle accidents are not the only cause for whiplash injury. Injuries may occur at work and the patient may seek compensation. A workman's compensation attorney and workman's compensation insurance may use the physical for negotiating a settlement claim.
The health care provider checks for various signs to verify a specific diagnosis and some signs may include:
- Pain level - Is the pain is mild, moderate or severe?
- Motor function - The doctor may check if patient has weakness in the cervical spine.
- Mental state, which may include signs of confusion.
Whiplash Diagnostic Tests
Once a physical examination has been performed, diagnostic tests may be ordered for confirmation. There is no specific whiplash diagnostic test. However, a spine specialist may take X-rays to exclude medical conditions such as a neck fracture. Some diagnostic tests may include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging test, which highlights soft tissue with the the neck.
- Competurized axial tomography scan (CT scan), which helps check for inflammation.
- X-rays, which will not detect a cervical strain, but can help verify certain neck problems such as a bulging disc.
If whiplash injuries are be suspected, patients should seek medical diagnosis and rule out other medical problems, including a back fracture or arthritis. A physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests help can a patient a correct diagnosis.
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Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purposes only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor.
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