What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck,or neck strain. It is usually caused by sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck). This type of injury is often the result of rear-end car crashes. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots.

Symptoms of Whiplash:Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later. Other symptoms of whiplash may include the following:

* Neck stiffness
* Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
* Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion)
* Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness (could indicate injury to the esophagus and larynx)
* Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesias)
* Shoulder pain
* Back pain

Diagnosis of Whiplash: Although whiplash usually only causes damage to the soft tissues of the neck, the physician will take x-rays of the cervical spine for reference in case of delayed symptoms and to rule out other spinal problems or injuries.

Treatment :Fortunately, whiplash is treatable and most symptoms resolve completely. Initially, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar. This collar may need to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks.

Other treatments for individuals with whiplash may include the following:

* Heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and pain
* Pain medications such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
* Muscle relaxants
* Range of motion exercises and physical therapy

For most patients, the symptoms of whiplash usually subside in 2 to 4 weeks. Patients who continue to have symptoms despite treatment may find temporary relief by keeping the neck immobilized using a halter in the office or at home. This is referred to as cervical traction. Local anesthetic injections may also be helpful.

If symptoms continue or worsen after 6 to 8 weeks, further x-rays and other diagnostic testing my be necessary to see if the patient suffered a more severe injury. Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this occurs, surgical repair of the discs may become necessary.

Whiplash is/was a band from the early 90's that hailed from the NY area.. played hardcore/punk.

An injury to the neck (the cervical vertebrae) resulting from rapid acceleration or deceleration (as in an automobile accident)
or
A quick blow with a whip
[Its painful thats for sure]

Strained muscles in your neck/shoulder area

when someone gets in a car crash and there head goes forward and then back real fast and it hurts there neck it can be serious or not some times.

when you head gets flung back suddenly and you hurt the muscles in your neck. and trust me it hurts!!!!

I am a visual kind of guy. I learn by having a mental picture of things. Especially if it has to do with food. That's not unusual, maybe I'm speaking for all guys here. Since I was a child, I think of Cool Whip when I hear about whiplash.

Seeing EmM gave a very detailed overview, there is no need for a further definition.
If the whiplash symptoms to not disappear within a few weeks, I would strongly recommend the unique Atlasprofilax treatment. ONE treatment only! And it really seems to work.