An injury to the vertebrae in the neck, caused when the head jerks backwards, often occurring in a car that is struck from behind.
An imprecise term for injury to the cervical vertebrae and adjacent soft tissues. It is produced by a sudden jerking or relative backward or forward acceleration of the head with respect to the vertebral column. This type of injury may occur in a vehicle that is suddenly and forcibly struck from the rear.
An injury to the soft tissues, ligaments, and spinal joints in the neck caused by a forceful and abrupt bending of the neck either backward (hyperextension) and then forward (flexion) or in the reverse sequence. This type of injury typically occurs due to sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as in a car collision.
Injuries to the spine typically entail a minor sprain of a neck ligament or a subluxation (partial dislocation) of a cervical joint. On rare occasions, a ligament may tear or a cervical vertebra may fracture. Typically, individuals experience worsening neck pain and stiffness around 24 hours after the injury.
The treatment for a whiplash injury may include the use of an orthopedic collar to immobilize the neck, pain-relieving medications (painkillers), muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy. It may take several weeks before pain-free movement is fully restored.