People with potential whiplash injuries from causes such as motor vehicle accidents are often evaluation by emergency medical personnel. If an injury to the spinal cord or vertebrae is suspected, patients may be immobilized with a neck brace and back board. Further evaluation at an emergency room may include imaging tests.

Before diagnosing whiplash, a physician will review the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. Particular attention will be paid to assessing sensation, strength and reflexes in various parts of the body to help pinpoint which nerves or portion of the spinal cordspinal cord are affected. A pain assessment may be conducted.

Imaging tests may be used to reveal any damage to nerve roots, spinal cord, vertebrae or intervertebral discs. Sometimes most of these diagnostic tests are negative and diagnosis is made only by detailed history and physical examination. These tests may include:

• X-rays. Use low doses of radiation to produce images on film or fluorescent screens.
  
  
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Uses powerful magnets to produce images on a computer screen and film.
  
  
• CAT scan (computed axial tomography). Uses multiple x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body.