Whiplash Law and Legal Definition
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck. It is usually caused by sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck). This type of injury is often the result of rear-end car crashes. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots. It is also called neck sprain or neck strain.
Symptoms of whiplash may include the following:
1.Neck pain and stiffness
2.Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
3.Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion)
4.Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness (could indicate injury to the esophagus and larynx)
5.Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesias)
6.Shoulder pain
7.Back pain
