Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck, most commonly seen in car accidents, but also in sports injuries, falls, or other sudden impacts.

During a whiplash injury, the neck moves through hyper-extension (backward motion) followed by hyper-flexion (forward motion). This rapid movement places stress on the muscles, ligaments, joints, and surrounding soft tissues of the cervical spine.

In some cases, the force can also affect the head and brain. The brain may briefly shift within the skull during impact, which is why some individuals experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating following injury.

Common symptoms of whiplash may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness 
• Reduced range of motion 
• Headaches 
• Shoulder or upper back tension 
• Muscle spasms 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating 
• Pain that may radiate into the arms