Whiplash is a common term for sudden acceleration-deceleration forces on the neck as a result of rear-end or side impact motor vehicle collisions, diving accidents and/or other mishaps.
These forces may result in bony or soft tissue injuries such as discs, ligaments, tendons, neck muscles, and nerve roots.
Other terms:
- Neck strain
- Neck strain
- Acceleration flexion-extension neck injury
- Soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury
What is WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorder)?
WAD is a term used to describe a range of symptoms resulting from whiplash. These can vary from no symptoms to severe.
WAD injuries are usually graded on a severity scale between 0-4.
|
Grade 0 |
No pain or discomfort. No physical signs of injury. |
|
Grade 1 |
Neck pain, stiffness or tenderness.
No physical signs of injury. |
|
Grade 2 |
Neck pain, stiffness or tenderness and some physical
signs of injury such as point tenderness or trouble
turning the head. |
|
Grade 3 |
Pain, stiffness or tenderness and neurological signs
of injury, such as changes to reflexes or weakness
in the arms. |
|
Grade 4 |
Pain and fracture or dislocation of the neck. |
(Quebec Task Force Classification of Grades of WAD)
