What is Whiplash?

Introduction to whiplash

Whiplash is a term that describes injury to the neck that occurs as a result of a motor vehicle or car accident. 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, including whiplash.

Until recently, the reason for the extent of whiplash 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.

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

In fact, whiplash injuries can be quite complex and may include a variety of related problems, such as:

• Joint dysfunction
• Disc herniation
• Faulty movement patterns
• Chronic pain
• Cognitive and higher center dysfunction

These sources of pain resulting from whiplash are reviewed in more detail in Chiropractic treatments of whiplash.

• Article written By:
• Donald Murphy, DC

August 17, 2000

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