Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid acceleration–deceleration forces, most commonly in car accidents.

The sudden movement overstretches muscles, ligaments and joints of the cervical spine, often leading to acute pain, stiffness, headaches and dizziness. While many patients recover within weeks, a significant proportion develop whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), where symptoms persist for months or even years.
Whiplash highlights the complex transition from acute to chronic pain. Beyond structural injury, central sensitization, psychological stress and autonomic dysregulation can prolong symptoms. Understanding these mechanisms has shifted treatment from purely physical approaches to multidisciplinary strategies that address the biological, psychological and social dimensions of whiplash-related pain.