Whiplash is a common mechanism of injury that can occur from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and results in a condition known as Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). Whiplash can occur when the head rapidly moves forward and then backward such as happens in a MVA. The rapid acceleration and deceleration creates excessive stretch on such structures as the neck muscles, and ligaments to just name a couple. There are varying degrees of whiplash. Physiotherapy can assist in the recovery from whiplash and answer your questions regarding the varying degrees of WAD and what structures can be involved in the injury. If you have been involved in a MVA you may want to review with a Physio regarding a management plan.
