The spine consists of a series of vertebra that are stacked on top of another from the neck to the pelvis. These vertebrae's are connected and kept in correct position by the disc that is between the vertebra and also the facet joints that are located on the side of the vertebral bodies and these interlock with each other. There are also supporting ligaments and tendons. The discs between the two adjacent vertebrae's are composed of a central, soft, jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus and an outer, tougher fibrous part called the annulus fibrosus.

What is it?

This injury is caused when the neck is forcefully jerked backwards. When the neck is suddenly bent forward, the movement is stopped by the chin hitting the chest. There is no barrier to stop the neck from going back wards and is the reason that cars have headrests. When the neck is suddenly jerked backwards, such as a motor vehicle accident where the car is hit from behind, there is tremendous strain on the tissues of the neck. The muscles, tendons, bones, discs and joints take a beating.

What are the symptoms?

The muscles that tear can trap nerves in the scar tissue that form and this can cause chronic headaches and neck pain. However the main cause for neck pain is the damage that the joints suffer. The damage to these joints cause ongoing mechanical neck pain and reffered pain.

If the damage also caused disruption of the intervertebral disc, then there could be compression of a nerve root and radicular pain.

How is it diagnosed?

A clinical examination by your doctor or therapist will allow for a reasonable suspicion but the only definite way is by doing a CT scan and radio isotope scan (see the section on tests). The CT scan will give information about how the joint looks and the radio isotope scan will reveal any inflammation in the joints.

What is the treatment?

The available treatment includes anti inflammatory medication, analgesics, physiotherapy and other manual treatment such as chiropractic manipulation, pressure point therapy, massage therapy, traction and other therapies. Rhizotomies can be very successful in the management of whiplash injuries.