Can A Bad Sprain Or Slight Whiplash Now Cause Arthritis In My Neck?

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 Answered on

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a motor vehicle accident about 15 years ago and hurt my neck. I was in the military but didn't seek medical treatment. My neck was just feeling sprained and sore for months. Today the pain has progressed to stiffness and limiting my range of motion. Can that accident that happen then now which I call a bad sprain or slight whiplash now cause arthritis in my neck? This seem to be a continuing issue that has never gotten any better. Will this issue possibly continue?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Trauma may predispose to degerative spine changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

I have read your new question.

Trauma including the motor vehicle accidents plays an important role and is a significant risk factor for developing degerative changes ( or disease ) of the spine.

So, it is possible that your accident predisposed to these degerative changes and symptoms.

Cervicalgia refers to neck pain that may be caused by degerative changes, arthritis, herniated discs, muscles sprained, lysthesis, etc.

There are necessary imaging studies such as x-rays and MRI of your cervical spine, in order to get a correct diagnosis.

If degerative changes will be found (discs dedication, facets hypertrophy, etc.) it is possible that these were predisposed by the accident.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

The reason for the questions is that my new private doctor keeps stating that physical therapy should fix the issue and the pain should stop. But I’ve went through years of it and nothing has completely dissolved the pain. It makes it slightly better for the moment but then it comes back worse and more stiff at times.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Since your symptoms are going on for a long time, it is necessary a correct diagnosis in order to build an effective treatment strategy.

For this reason, imaging evaluation with x-rays (dynamic X-rays) and MRI, are necessary.

Please discuss with your Doctor regarding these issues.

Hope I helped you.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee