HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Whiplash Injury Occur While Falling On Back?

default
Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015
Question: Can you get whip lash from falling on your back when your feet slip out from undernieth you on a wet board?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Whiplash unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

The definition of an whiplash injury, is a neck injury caused by sudden movement of the head in one direction, backwards or forwards (such as when a car stops abruptly), leading to sudden extreme stretching of the tendons and ligaments in the neck and damaging them.

So looking at that description an whiplash injury doesn't look to be the likely case judging by the mechanics of that episode, more like local damage in the area where you got hit.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (8 minutes later)
when I fell I hit my head in the back and it felt like everything from the back moved to the front. Ever since that point I have had pains around the back of my rib cage that have almost disappeared, a slightly swollen right side of my neck which has gone away, and then pains that moved from the shoulders to the collar bone which are predominantly just dull pains now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for bringing some more information, I had thought actually you fell on your tail bone.
Now that have cleared that up, some of those signs, those involving the neck to be more precise may have an whiplash component after the abrupt stop of the neck movement. The pains in your rib cage and shoulders are more likely due to the direct shock.
However the evolution of your symptoms indicates that gradually you will recover well without any repercussions. Ibuprofen if in pain is all I would recommend to continue.

I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (1 minute later)
thank you soooo much
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.

Detailed Answer:
I'm sure you will feel better soon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Whiplash Injury Occur While Falling On Back?

Brief Answer: Whiplash unlikely. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. The definition of an whiplash injury, is a neck injury caused by sudden movement of the head in one direction, backwards or forwards (such as when a car stops abruptly), leading to sudden extreme stretching of the tendons and ligaments in the neck and damaging them. So looking at that description an whiplash injury doesn't look to be the likely case judging by the mechanics of that episode, more like local damage in the area where you got hit. I remain at your disposal for further questions.