Whiplash

Whiplash is an injury most commonly associated with vehicle accidents or sports injuries, when the neck or back is thrown forwards or backwards at great speed, resulting in torn muscle fibres in the neck. Symptoms are pain & restricted motion in the neck.

In This Article

Did you know?	Causes of whiplash
Symptoms of whiplash	Diagnosis of whiplash
Related terms

Did you know?

Around 250,000 people each year suffer a whiplash injury
Only 25% of men ensure their car head-restraint is positioned correctly
43% of women correctly position their car head-restraint
Whiplash accounts for 75% of motor insurance claims
1,200 claim for whiplash injuries every day

Causes of whiplash

Whiplash is a violent movement of the head away from the body caused by a sudden jerk or jolt. During an incident, the neck moves beyond its normal range of movement overstretching the muscles, ligaments and tendons.

The common cause of whiplash is from a car or motorcycle accident. The sudden stopping force of a collision throws the head forwards, backwards or sideways and away from the body. Even a collision at 6mph can result in a whiplash injury.

Another common cause of whiplash is during contact sports such as rugby and boxing. A sudden blow to head from a heavy object or slipping and falling can also cause the head to jolt forwards or backwards.

Children can experience whiplash if abused. If a child is shaken violently it can cause the head to jolt forwards, backwards and sideways placing excessive strain on the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash

Whiplash symptoms may not be obvious at the time of the accident with any swelling, bruising or pain not becoming apparent for 6-12 hours. Pain and stiffness in the neck are usually worse one day after the injury and may worsen in the proceeding days.

You may also experience a loss of movement in the neck along with tenderness and headaches. Whiplash injuries can also cause lower back pain, tingling in the arms and hands, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, tinnitus and balance problems.

Some people also find swallowing difficult but this usually passes within a short space of time. Severe whiplash can result in some memory loss and irritability.

Diagnosis of whiplash

Whiplash is usually diagnosed by its symptoms so you should visit your GP as soon as possible after the accident or impact to your head.

If further complications such as spinal problems are suspected then you may be referred for an X-ray, MRI scan or CT scan.

Related terms

Whiplash associated disorders
Motor vehicle accidents
Car crash
Neck pain
Shaken baby syndrome
Spinal injury
Headrests
Rear ended

Therapies to consider

Acupressure	Acupuncture	Alexander Technique
Ayurvedic Medicine	Bowen Therapy	Chiropractic
Cranial Osteopathy	Craniosacral Therapy	Deep Tissue Massage
Hawaiian Massage	Herbal Medicine	Holistic Massage
Homeopathy	Massage	Massage Swedish
Osteopathy	Personal Training	Physiotherapy
Pilates	Reiki	Remedial Massage
Shiatsu	Sports Massage	Yoga

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