A common musculoskeletal sign observed in whiplash is which of the following?

• A. Fever
• B. Skin Rash
• C. Marked Muscle Spasm
• D. Numbness in Toes

Answer: (C)

In whiplash, the neck’s primary musculoskeletal response is protective muscle guarding, leading to marked muscle spasm. The rapid acceleration-deceleration forces cause the neck muscles to contract reflexively to stabilize the cervical spine, which presents as intense, visible or palpable tightness and reduced range of motion. This spasm is a classic sign of the injury, often accompanied by neck pain and stiffness.

Fever isn’t a typical musculoskeletal sign of whiplash; it points more toward infection or systemic inflammation. A skin rash isn’t associated with the injury itself, as whiplash is not a dermatologic issue. Numbness in the toes suggests distal nerve or spine involvement rather than a primary musculoskeletal response of whiplash, and while neurological symptoms can occur with more severe injury, the common presentation centers on muscle spasm.