Whiplash is a neck injury due to a sudden jerking of your head, similar to the whip of a towel.

This could be due to a car accident, athletic injury, and trauma.

These injuries can be described as neck “strains” or “sprains.” The ligaments and muscles that hold up your head can be injured, leading to lots of pain and muscle spasm. The only way to make sure bones aren’t involved (which would be a different injury) is imaging.

Symptoms include pain when moving the head, decreased range of motion, muscle tightness, and muscle stiffness. If you’re having these symptoms after an accident, sporting event, trauma, or feelings of instability, severe pain, radiating pain/numbness/weakness, a visit to the doctor’s for a prompt diagnosis and treatment is recommended.

Treatments options include therapy, strengthening, stretching, massages, creams, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and/or bracing options. A custom treatment plan is recommended for each and every patient.