Even with the many advances in medicine and in particular skeletomuscular medicine, Whiplash is still not that well understood. Severity of injury varies considerably between people in the same types of car accidents, even when circumstances are similar. Speed is a major factor, as is the weight of the vehicles. There are several other factors involved. When the person sees the accident coming, the injury is often less severe. This may be because the nervous system has time to prepare.

The position of the neck at the time of impact also plays a role. Risk of injury appears to be greater when the head is turned to the side than when it is facing straight ahead - except in very low speed crashes. The position of the headrest is important - it needs to be at the proper height and distance from the head to reduce severity of injury. The strength of a person’s neck also plays a role. Females, having less strength in their necks, generally suffer more severe whiplash injuries than males.

Seatbelts with shoulder harnesses should always be used and head rests at the proper height for the person. The height of the headrest should be just above the ear. The distance between the headrest and back of the head should be two to four inches.

Symptoms may occur immediately after the injury or set in gradually over the next couple of days. It is common for a person with no immediate symptoms to wake up stiff and sore the next morning. Whiplash can vary greatly in severity and cause a wide range of symptoms. Not all people experience the same symptoms. Symptoms that develop rapidly often indicate a serious injury.

The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain and stiffness. The neck becomes stiff as muscles tighten up to protect the injured area from further injury by reducing motion.

Headaches are also common. Pain originating in the neck (from muscle spasms in the neck and/or irritated nerves in the back of the neck) is often referred to the head. The pain may felt be over the entire head or any area of the head - often over the forehead and behind the eyes.

There may be back pain or shoulder pain, or numbness or tingling in the arm. Other symptoms of whiplash include problems with memory and concentration, feelings of disorientation, dizziness, ringing in the ears, impaired hearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to sound and light, irritability, depression, and difficulty sleeping. Neurological symptoms may be the result of injury to soft tissue injury to the neck or a mild brain injury or concussion. A sudden jolt to the head can jar the brain. Neurological symptoms often resolve within a week.

If symptoms occur immediately or shortly after the accident an ambulance should be called so that the neck can be immobilised during transport to a hospital emergency ward. There may be serious injuries that may require immediate medical treatment (such as haemorrhage, fracture, dislocation, or spinal cord injury). In addition, auto accidents that result in whiplash may also result in other injuries such as chest injuries, back injuries, internal injuries, etc. Always seek a proper diagnosis from a GP, even if the symptoms are mild. The diagnosis may be based upon symptoms alone, or an MRI or CT may be taken to see the extent of soft tissue injury. X-rays may be taken to rule out fractures or dislocation.

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