Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, often after road traffic collisions.
When to get help quickly: Urgent review is important after trauma if there is severe neck pain, numbness, weakness, worsening headache, collapse, or any concern about spinal injury.
Common symptoms
Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, headache, shoulder pain, dizziness, and difficulty turning the head, sometimes starting hours after the injury.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when the injury mechanism was significant, pain is severe, there is restricted movement, or doctors need to rule out fracture, dislocation, or other more serious injury.
What radiology does
Imaging may be used to rule out fracture, dislocation, or more serious spine injury when symptoms or exam findings justify it.
What usually happens next
Many cases improve with time, pain relief, and gradual activity, though persistent symptoms may need further evaluation.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.