Whiplash Sequels

Dear Ask The Doctor: I was rearended in a auto accident 3 months ago. I have Whiplash which they tell me is Soft Tissue Damage. I have had 2 ultrasounds with nerve blocks. I am still very swollen. My neck and upper back. Is this normal? There is alot of fluid all around the base of my neck and shoulder area and then it goes down the center of my back for several more inches...between my shoulderblades. I'd like your opinion on this. I have also been told I have Carpel Tunnel in both elbows and arms due to the accident. Thank you

Dear Linda: You are most likely experiencing the sequels of the Whiplash injury (cervical acceleration-deceleration) which is one of the most common cause of cervical strain and also one of the most common sequel of nonfatal car injuries, and the severity of the trauma often not correlated with the seriousness of the clinical problems. A history of neck injury is a significant risk factor for chronic neck pain. Other complications besides the pain include:  spinal cord compression, strains or tears of the anterior spinal ligaments, shoulder pain, muscular weakness of the arms. MRI or computed tomography (CT) myelography is necessary for the diagnosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist and it is not described as a sequel of a Whiplash injury.