What is Whiplash

It is very common for people who have been involved in rear end car accidents to complain about aches and pains in the neck after the collision.  This pain is caused by the sudden movement at the point of impact – the fast jolting forwards and then backwards has become known as whiplash.  This type of injury is reported in one or more passengers or drivers in around 20% of car crashes.
Whiplash is caused when the head is thrown forwards whilst the body goes forward. This often occurs when the brakes are applied hard or the car comes to a sudden and unexpected stop against another vehicle or object. During this motion the muscles and ligaments of the joints are excessively straightened and therefore can suffer short and long term damage.

During an accident the energy or force which comes from the changing velocity of the cars (say one decelerating and one accelerating) is absorbed by the bodies of the occupants of the cars.  This energy or force is what creates the very fast movement which we associate with whiplash injuries.
It is rare for the bones in the neck to be injured as part of this type of injury.  Whiplash affects the neck muscles, joints and ligaments.  This is known as a soft tissue injury.  It is a commonly known fact that soft tissue injuries can often be more painful that breaks.

Whiplash can be associated with a great number of other injuries and symptoms like, neck pain, restricted neck movement, shoulder pain, tingling or heaviness in the arms, dizziness and tinnitus.
If you have been involved in a car accident and believe that you may be suffering from whiplash you may be entitled to a claim for personal injury and you should seek the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer like First Personal Injury.