Whiplash (CAD Syndrome)

Overview
Whiplash, also called cervical acceleration / deceleration (or CAD) syndrome, is a neck injury commonly caused by car accidents, falls and contact sports. It results from a quick, jerking motion that forces the neck beyond its normal range of motion.

How It Occurs
When the head is suddenly and violently whipped back and forth, the cervical spine can be hyperextended, or forced past its normal range of motion. This can injure vertebrae supporting ligaments, joints and muscles in the neck.

Symptoms
Smptoms may occur immediately after an injury or several days later. Whiplash sufferers may experience neck pain and stiffness, headache, dizziness, dificulty chewing or swallowing, burning or prickling sensations, or shoulder and back pain.

Treatment
Whiplash may be treated with a soft cervical collar that immobilizes the neck while it heals. Other treatments include medication, physical therapy and nerve blocks.