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Whiplash is medically defined as an injury caused when the
soft tissue in the spine is stretched and strained after the head jolts
abruptly in a quick, back-and-forth movement in any direction. This sudden jerk of the head often leads to the damage of the ligaments and tendons in the neck,
causing the recognizable symptoms associated with this type of injury.
Symptoms of Whiplash
A whiplash injury is most frequently known to occur during an automobile
accident, although high intensity sports and activities, such as football, can also
cause injury. The hyperextension and/or hyperflexion of the muscles in the neck
at the time of the accident is often the cause leading to strain in the neck. For most cases, symptoms will progress within a few hours of
the accident.
The most frequent symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness
in the neck that can cause limited mobility
in the individual or may cause headaches as a result. Also, swelling and
inflammation of the local muscles surrounding the cervical spine is known to be
another frequent symptom. Whiplash injuries can also have dispersed effects where
an individual may experience lower back pain and symptoms similar to sciatica.
During physical activities, this type of injury can be
prevented to avoid further complications. Contact sports such as karate and
football can also cause damage to the ligaments and tendons in the neck as well
as other areas of the spine.
Source: Preventing Neck Injury
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
