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Definition Return to top
Whiplash is when the soft tissues of the neck are injured by a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.
Considerations Return to top
When a vehicle stops suddenly in a crash or is struck from behind, a seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward. But the head may snap forward, then backward, causing whiplash.
Causes Return to top
In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome.)
Symptoms Return to top
You may feel pain and stiffness in your neck for the first few days following a whiplash injury. Then you feel better, but the pain and stiffness may come back several days later.
The discomfort you feel may involve surrounding muscle groups in your head, chest, shoulders, and arms.
First Aid Return to top
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if Return to top
Call your doctor if:
Prevention Return to top
Headrests in your car can reduce the severity of neck pain from a car accident. Make sure that the headrest is positioned properly for your height.
If you do get whiplash, learn proper stretching exercises once your neck has healed. This reduces the chance that neck pain or stiffness will come back.
Update Date: 8/22/2003 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Benjamin D. Roye, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Orthopaedics, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (6/6/2001).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |