1. Establish the Position of the Pain
The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain and stiffness. While the intensity of the pain can vary, the location is mainly confined on the area just over the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. Some people experience pain that fluctuates, seems to move towards the ears, or results in headaches. Others complain about ringing in the ears showing up when the pain is at its most intense. Pain sometimes does not show up until several days after the injury, so it's important to be alert for changes in feeling in the neck area.
2. Look for Additional Symptoms
Aside from the obvious neck pain, people who suffer from whiplash often experience dizziness and blurred vision. Other symptoms may not be so obvious and include memory problems and difficulty sleeping. Depending on the intensity of the injury, whiplash can also affect the personality of the victim, causing changes in mood and leading to irritability, difficulty concentrating and constant fatigue. Pain in the arms or mid-back are rare but can sometimes appear as well.
3. Be Ready to Undergo Specific Tests
Before you undergo any specific medical tests, your doctor will most likely ask you a series of questions to determine whether you are a likely candidate for this diagnosis. People who were recently involved in an accident may require less questioning while those who developed whiplash due to repetitive-stress injuries or other factors may have a harder time proving their situations.
If your doctor suspects the presence of whiplash, she may order a set of X-rays or a CT scan to see whether the spine or neck vertebrae have suffered any type of damage or whether you have a pinched nerve. Manual examinations are also very common and help doctors establish whether the areas are feeling especially tender or sensitive to the touch.
