Whiplash occurs when your head and neck, or cervical spine, are forcefully stretched beyond their normal range of motion, due to a sudden impact such as a car crash. The force of the impact sends your neck rapidly forward and backward, which can cause trauma to your spine, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Motor vehicle accidents

The most common cause of whiplash, the injury can occur when a vehicle has been rear-ended by another.

Contact sports

Football, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, any sport that involves full contact can potentially lead to a whiplash injury.

Physical abuse

Violently striking or shaking an individual in a manner that forces their neck to rapidly accelerate or decelerate.

Roller coasters

Unfortunately, roller coasters and other amusement park rides may also inadvertently cause whiplash if the passenger’s head and neck are not secure, or they have been abruptly jolted in their seat.

There are a number of symptoms that are associated with whiplash and vehicle accident injuries. However, your symptoms may be linked to other underlying conditions in your specific case, and you should always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. If your symptoms are particularly severe or persistent, you should also inform your doctor.

Symptoms of whiplash injury:

• Pain, stiffness, or numbness localized in the neck, shoulders, upper back or upper arms
• A burning or tingling sensation in the neck, shoulders, upper back or upper arms
• Headaches, dizziness, or vertigo
• Ringing in ears or blurred vision
• Sleeplessness and irritability
• Loss of voice or difficulty in swallowing
• Concentration issues or memory problems
• Muscle spasms

Other symptoms of whiplash could include long-term consequences involving memory loss, an inability to focus, sleeping issues, or chronic head, upper body, or neck pain.

If you have suffered head or neck pain from a whiplash injury, your doctor may ask about your health history. The next step may involve conducting X-ray exams or follow-up imaging tests to identify trauma to the concerned regions and checking for bone injuries.

In most cases, individuals who have suffered whiplash from a motor vehicle accident, or MVA, will recover from the effects of the injury within a matter of weeks. It is important to note though that in more severe cases, it may take several months or years to fully recover. The specific timeline for your recovery may vary depending on a number of circumstances relating to the injury, for the most accurate assessment you should always consult your doctor.

Here are some simple precautions that you can take to protect yourself and others from a whiplash injury:

• Adjust the seat and headrest of your vehicle so that your head sits flat against the cushioning.
• Wear your seat belt correctly, with one strap over your shoulder.
• Drive safely and defensively to avoid your chances of being rear-ended.
• If you know that you are about to be rear-ended and have time to react, place your head flat against the headrest and face forward.
• Play sports safely and avoid dangerous contact with others.
• Ask your doctor before engaging in a new activity if it may increase your risk of whiplash.

Depending on the severity of the MVA accident and injury, in addition to your age, health, and medical history, a doctor may advise one or more of the following treatments to be followed:

• Application of ice packs to reduce swelling
• Gentle neck exercises
• Pain medications
• Muscle relaxant medications
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Neck collar
• Osteopathic treatment

At-home treatments and care can help MVA whiplash symptoms and improve the recovery process. For instance, applying heat or ice on the affected region or using extra pillows for neck pain could assist healing. It is also important to avoid heavy-duty chores, activities, or sports which can increase tension. To understand which stretching or exercise routines are most appropriate for you, it is best to consult with your doctor or contact a physiotherapist.