Trauma to the cervical spine (fractures, subluxation) places spine at risk for compression; immediate immobilization of the neck is essential to minimize movement of unstable cervical spine segments.

Whiplash injury is due to trauma (usually automobile accidents) causing cervical musculoligamentous injury due to hyperflexion or hyperextension. This diagnosis is not applied to pts with fractures, disk herniation, head injury, focal neurologic findings, or altered consciousness.