Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or whipping motion of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion. Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind. Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward and then backward, including passengers. A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck. In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. The muscle and ligament injury results in significant scar tissue formation and limited motion.
Symptoms include:
- Often delayed onset of pain, stiffness and swelling in the neck
- Dizziness
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the arms or hands
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness or tingling in the face
- Headaches