Whiplash refers to an injury of the neck that is the result of a sudden excessive force that causes the neck and head to jerk forward and then backward or vice versa, such as in an auto accident. The injury typically affects muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the delicate structure of the neck. It can also occur in contact sports, other activities, or work accidents that might involve a sudden impact. Although whiplash is a common injury experienced by millions of Americans every year, it can result in structural damage that is difficult to detect and correct. If not properly diagnosed and treated, these injuries can undermine the structural balance of the body and set off a "domino effect" that can exacerbate over time producing a wide variety of symptoms from headache and extremity pain or numbness, to loss of mobility or even mental function |