Rocky Mount, NC

An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.  Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind.  Either of these two actions causes things in a vehicle to be thrown forward - including passengers.  A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck.  In additions to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, and sports injuries.