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What Causes Persistent Neck Pain And Whiplash After Rear-end Collision?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: neck pain and other whiplash symptoms have persisted for years after being rear ended but how do I know if that accident was cause of symptoms?
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Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is indeed possible, MRI or CT can help; if not then possible age-related

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The best thing at this point in time would be an MRI of the spine, to be concentrated in the region of the injury (I am guessing the cervical region). This would help the medical team to gain some insight on the skeletal as well as soft tissue status in the region.

What usually happens in such cases are things like hernias, minor injury that has resulted in healing and possibly even fusion of the vertebral bodies, etc. These do not appear on the initial investigation films, but as time passes and healing takes place, it can result in a significant impact causing symptoms.

I would recommend investigations like CT or MRI for a better diagnose on the cause for your symptoms. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (43 minutes later)
Ok, thank you. What else should they look for besides fusion of vertebral bodies when looking for healed injuries due to whiplash?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A host of things that could occur due to a previous injury

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

They should look for any healed bones, herniated sacs, spinal cord compression signs, etc. Basically anything away from normal, but not to forget the the fact that there may be age-related degeneration as well which should be considered and ruled out.

If at all your symptoms are not due to the injury, then it is clearly due to an age-related degeneration. You should discuss the same with your doctor, and please feel free to write back to me for anything, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Neck Pain And Whiplash After Rear-end Collision?

Brief Answer: It is indeed possible, MRI or CT can help; if not then possible age-related Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The best thing at this point in time would be an MRI of the spine, to be concentrated in the region of the injury (I am guessing the cervical region). This would help the medical team to gain some insight on the skeletal as well as soft tissue status in the region. What usually happens in such cases are things like hernias, minor injury that has resulted in healing and possibly even fusion of the vertebral bodies, etc. These do not appear on the initial investigation films, but as time passes and healing takes place, it can result in a significant impact causing symptoms. I would recommend investigations like CT or MRI for a better diagnose on the cause for your symptoms. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help. Best wishes.