Whiplash occurs when the neck is forced beyond its normal range of motion. This can occur with great force as seen in an automobile accident or even a good “bump” to the head that jars the neck. Whiplash can also occur as a repetitive strain injury or from continuously misusing your neck (holding the phone receiver to your shoulder while multi-tasking).
In all whiplash cases, several things occur. For one, the injured soft tissue in the neck (muscles, tendons, ligaments) becomes inflamed. Although inflammation is merely the body’s natural response to injury in an attempt to protect the area, it also slows the healing process because fluid flow is restricted. In other words, nourishing fluids cannot flow to the protected area and toxic fluids are not able to leave as quickly. Whiplash may cause spinal misalignment of the cervical vertebrae.
