INFORMATION

Whiplash injuries of the neck, which commonly result from automobile accidents and sporting activities, involve a rapid series of movements, which occur faster than the bones, muscles and ligaments can handle.

The most common type of car accident is the rear impact, and most typically, the occupant in the vehicle that gets "rear-ended" (hit from behind) is at the greatest risk of injury.

Until recently, the reason for the extent of injury was poorly understood.
In addition, due to the legal and insurance issues, the veracity of complaints of neck pain and other symptoms by people who suffer from whiplash is commonly viewed as suspect.

Recent research has helped clarify why occupants struck from behind experience more extensive injuries than those in other types of crashes. This new information is important for the physician treating these problems, as it impacts the physician's case management strategy.

Whiplash is hard to diagnose. Because radiological tests, including x-rays, show only the bony structures of the body, they frequently do not reveal any damage.
If you think you have whiplash, see your healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and treat your situation to try to minimize the damage done by the whiplash injury and to speed up the healing process. Remember, a whiplash injury may require time to heal.