View source for Whiplash injury

==Background==
[[File:Anatomy of the Neck Sagittal Color MRI.png|thumb|Neck ligament anatomy. A: Anterior atlantooccipital membrane, B: Apical ligament of dens, C: Cruciate ligament of atlas, D: Tectorial membrane of atlanto-axial joint, E: Anterior longitudinal ligament, F: Posterior longitudinal ligament, G: Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane, H: Ligamenta flava, I:Nuchal ligament , J: Supraspinous ligament]]
*Also known as Acute Cervical Strain
*Sudden acceleration-deceleration trauma that occurs when car is rear-ended

==Clinical Features==
*[[neck pain|Pain]], stiffness, paracervical muscle tenderness
*Isolated cervical strain should have ''normal'' [[neuro exam]]

==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Blunt neck trauma DDX}}

==Evaluation==
*Clinical diagnosis by history and physical exam
*Use [[C-Spine (NEXUS)]] criteria to determine whether imaging is required
*Consider brain, cord, carotid/vertebral artery dissection if neuro findings are present

==Management==
*Symptomatic treatment e.g. [[ibuprofen]]
*Studies have shown worsened range of motion and pain scores at 1 and 6 months after whiplash injury with placement of non-rigid (soft) cervical collars<ref>The role of non-rigid cervical collar in pain relief and functional restoration after whiplash injury: a systematic review and a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials Ricciardi L, Stifano V, D’Arrigo S, et al. Eur Spine J. 2019;28(8):1821-1828.</ref>

==Disposition==
*Generally outpatient management

==See Also==
*[[Neck pain]]
*[[Blunt neck trauma]]
*[[Cervical spine clearance]]

==External Links==

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Trauma]]
[[Category:Orthopedics]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]