Whiplash is a nonmedical term used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of the neck (specifically ligaments, tendons, and muscles).
It is caused by an abnormal motion or force applied to the neck that causes movement beyond the neck’s normal range of motion. It is usually caused by a flexion-extension motion of the neck that pulls and strains the neck muscles and ligaments.
The most frequent cause of whiplash is a car accident. Whiplash can also be caused by, sporting activities, accidental falls, and assault.
The symptoms of whiplash generally include some degree of neck pain and muscle stiffness. Depending on the severity of the injury, signs and symptoms may also include:
- Tenderness along the back of the neck and shoulders
- Neck swelling
- Muscle spasms in the posterior cervical spine (back of the neck), anterior cervical spine (front of the neck), or in the trapezius muscles (back of the shoulders)
- Difficulty flexing, extending, or rotating the head
- Headache, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and/or fatigue
- Jaw tightness or difficulty chewing
Severe cases of whiplash may also cause vision disturbance, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and other signs of nerve irritation.