Whiplash is the term used to describe a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways.
The sudden, vigorous movement of the head damages the ligaments and tendons in the neck. Tendons are tough, fibrous bands that connect muscles to bone. Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissues that link two bones together at a joint.
Neck sprain
In a whiplash injury, the ligaments in the neck are sprained. A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched. Although the ligament is not broken, a strain can often take a long time to heal (sometimes several months).
Whiplash typically causes pain, stiffness and a temporary loss of movement in the neck. Headaches, muscle spasms and pain in the shoulders or arms are other possible symptoms.
Whiplash is common after motor vehicle accidents in which a collision has jolted the head violently forwards, backwards or sideways.
Whiplash can also be the result of a violent blow to the head (for example, during contact sports such as boxing and rugby).
