[wondering why I couldn't hold onto items. I work with computers and this is when I first noticed it. I couldn't hold onto the little bitty screws while taking the computer's apart. I guess because there was no numbness at that time,]

This is often a RSI/TOS issue - loss of fine finger use..
I could not pick up small parts at my work, that started many years of neck, shoulders, hands and arms problems eventually = TOS
Luckily therapy & chiropractic and a lot of self care slowed/halted my symptoms.
now I mainly have myofascial discomfort- more so in the winter months...

Mix the whiplash and the work activities, could be very much a TOS like issue.
TOS is not a well known condition, and often biased ideas about it, so finding a PT or MD that really knows about it is important esp when you have other conditions..