Colloquial term for an injury to the cervical (neck) vertebrae and their associated ligaments and muscles, causing pain and stiffness; often the result of rapid acceleration or deceleration, as in a car accident. Also called cervical acceleration-deceleration syndrome.
An injury to the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) or adjacent soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, disks, and tendons) that occurs from a sudden, accelerated, jerking movement of the head and neck or by a rapid back and forth movement of the head or neck. Whiplash often occurs to passengers of cars involved in rear-impact or head-on collisions. It causes pain and stiffness in the neck. It is generally treated with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication and often improves with time. In some cases, a rigid collar covered with soft material, called a cervical collar, is worn around the neck to support the injured area. Physical therapy, including deep heat and traction, is also prescribed. Occupational therapy may be necessary, too.
Injury damage to the ligaments, vertebrae, spinal cord, or nerve roots in the neck region, caused by sudden jerking back of the head and neck. At its most severe death or permanent paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia) may result. Sudden deceleration in a motor accident is the commonest cause. Immobilization using a special collar is the principal treatment.
An injury to the neck region caused by its forcible flexion and extension. Car accidents are a common cause, when a driver or passenger is suddenly decelerated. The injury usually affects the ligaments, spinal joints and soft tissues of the neck. Subluxation (partial dislocation) of a cervical joint sometimes occurs and cervical vertebra may occasionally be fractured if the forces are severe. Pain and stiffness of the neck result and these may worsen after a day or so. Treatment includes immobilization of the neck in a collar, and analgesic and muscle-relaxing drugs. physiotherapy may be necessary. The patient usually recovers fully but may take several weeks, months or, in the worst cases, years, to do so.