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Spine Conditions

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a forceful back and forth movement of the neck. This force can injure bones in the spine, discs between the bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other neck tissues.

Whiplash can also be a lower back injury (lumbar spine) caused by a sharp, sudden, movement of the trunk either forward, backward, or to the side. This force can injure muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the lower back.

Whiplash can be caused by

  • Rear-end Car Accidents
  • Sports Accidents
  • Physical Abuse
  • Other Traumatic Injury (e.g., a fall)

The following signs and symptoms of whiplash affecting the neck may occur within days of the injury:

  • Neck Pain and Stiffness
  • Worsening of Pain with Neck Movement
  • Loss of Range of Motion in the Neck
  • Headaches Starting at the Base of the Skull
  • Tenderness or Pain in the Shoulder, Upper Back, or Arms
  • Tingling or Numbness in the Arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Others may also experience:

  • Blurred Vision
  • Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Memory Problems
  • Depression

The following signs and symptoms of whiplash affecting the lower back may occur within days of the injury:

  • Back Pain
  • Pain Radiating Down the Buttocks and Legs
  • Swelling and Stiffness
  • Loss of Range of Motion
  • Difficulty Standing or Walking
  • Weakness
  • Numbness
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Tingling / Pins and Needles
  • Cramps

While some people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, others may be at risk for complications if

  • They have severe neck pain or weakness/numbness in arms or hands, which may signal ligament damage or instability of the vertebrae.
  • They have a more limited range of motion.
  • The pain has spread to their arms
  • They have had whiplash before.
  • They had pre-existing low back or neck pain
  • They sustained a previous high-speed injury.
  • They are of older age

If you are experiencing neck or lower back pain or other whiplash symptoms, you should contact Dr. Ball promptly at (925) 667-3745 for a complete evaluation to rule out broken bones or other damage that can cause or worsen symptoms. Seek medical care early to ensure that untreated neck or back pain doesn’t lead to chronic pain and disability in the future.

During your evaluation, Dr. Ball will ask you questions about the event that caused your symptoms and whether your symptoms are severe or occur frequently. He’ll also want to assess if your symptoms are interfering with performing your everyday activities.

Physical exam

Dr. Ball will also conduct a physical exam to assess the following

  • Your range of motion in your neck, shoulder, and lower back.
  • Your degree of motion that causes pain or an increase in pain.
  • The degree of tenderness in your neck, shoulders, upper or lower back.
  • Your reflexes, strength, and sensation in your limbs.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests will help Dr. Ball determine the extent of your injury. These tests may include:

  • X-rays. X-ray images of the neck or lower back from different angles can detect fractures, dislocations, or arthritis.
  • Computerized Tomography (CT). This particular type of x-ray produces cross-sectional images of bone and can show possible bone damage.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This test uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed, 3D images to detect bone injuries and soft tissue injuries to the spinal cord, discs, or ligaments.

Whiplash, often caused by sudden neck movements during accidents, can result in persistent pain and stiffness. Board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Hieu T. Ball, with offices in Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, provides expert evaluations and tailored care for whiplash injuries. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about effective management and recovery options.

At a Glance

Dr. Hieu Ball

  • Double fellowship-trained orthopedic
  • Orthopedic surgery residency at Harvard Medical School
  • Over 20 years of spine surgery experience
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