Whiplash Articles

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash—or “whiplash-associated disorders” (WAD)—is a relatively common injury usually linked to a motor vehicle collision (MVC). During the collision, the head whips forwards and backward (when rear-ended) or sideways (if T-boned). So, what is whiplash? The term “whiplash” encompasses the damage that occurs to the bony spine. In particular, the

Whiplash – “What Can I Do to Help Myself?”

Whiplash or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is a commonly used term for an acceleration-deceleration force applied to the neck. This often occurs in car crashes but also from a slip and fall, a diving accident, or another traumatic injury. The net result is an injury to muscles, ligaments, joints, and/or nerves

Whiplash & Recovery – How Long Does It Take?

First, what is whiplash? It’s a lot of things, which is why the term WAD or Whiplash Associated Disorders has become the most common term for the main signs and symptoms associated with a whiplash injury. WAD is usually associated with a motor vehicle collision, but sports injuries, diving accidents,

Whiplash – What Exercises Should I Do? (Part 1)

Whiplash, or “Whiplash Associated Disorders” (WAD), results from a sudden jarring motion. Often, from a car crash that occurs too fast for someone to voluntarily “brace” themselves. This is because the whole “whiplash cycle” is over within 300 msec. We cannot contract a muscle faster than 700-800 msec. Other injury

Can a Low-Speed Crash Cause a Brain Injury?

There is certainly a lot of interest in concussions these days between big-screen movies, football, and other sports-related injuries. Concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are interchangeable. Though mTBI is NOT the first thing we think about in a low-speed motor vehicle collision (MVC), it

What Most People Don’t Know About Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash (or WAD – whiplash-associated disorders) occur from sudden movement of the head and neck beyond its normal range of motion. This results in pain and stiffness and less often, numbness and tingling in the arms and hands. Prognosis is a term associated with a predicted outcome of a condition

Whiplash: What’s the “Best Evidence” These Days?

Whiplash, or WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorders), refers to a neck injury where the normal range of motion excels. This results in injury to the soft tissues (hopefully with no fractures) in the cervical region. There are a lot of factors that enter into the degree of injury and length of

Whiplash – Where is the Pain Coming From?

Whiplash is a slang term for an injury to the neck from a motor vehicle collision (MVC). A better term for “whiplash” is “whiplash-associated disorder” (WAD). It includes specific history and exam findings. There are usually two phases to an MVC: 1) an acceleration phase and 2) a deceleration phase.

Is Whiplash the Cause of My Dizziness?

Whiplash, “Whiplash Associated Disorders” (WAD), is a condition that carries multiple signs and symptoms. These can range from neck pain and stiffness to headache, confusion, ringing in the ears, and more. But can WAD cause dizziness? Let’s take a look! Dizziness is a general term that is used rather loosely

The Importance of Early Treatment for Whiplash

Even though whiplash or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is very common, it remains poorly understood. Recent studies report that up to 60% of people may still have pain six months after their injury. Why is that? Investigations have shown there are changes in the muscle and muscle function in the neck