Whiplash

When a small delicate organism like the human body is involved in the collision of two or more large solid objects like automobiles, something has to give – and that something is frequently the neck. The human head is relatively heavy in relation to the neck and a sudden impact gives you no time to brace yourself to prevent the forceful head movement known as “whiplash”. Whiplash is the term used to describe the motion of the neck when an impact causes the head to be “snapped” (moved quickly in a direction opposite the direction of impact). It is also known as CAD (cervical acceleration/deceleration) trauma or syndrome. The sudden sharp movement can cause damage to the joints of the neck, as well as the nerves, muscles, and discs. In extreme cases, not only is the neck damaged, but the brain is bruised. These injuries can include dizziness, headache, pain in the body and arms, and, in the case of brain injury, blurred vision, tinnitus, nausea, vertigo, and numbness. All of these injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability.