Whiplash is an injury to the cervical vertebrae and supporting structures due to what mechanism?

• A. Sudden acceleration-deceleration
• B. Direct crush injury
• C. Fracture by impact
• D. Chronic overuse

Answer: (A)

Whiplash happens because of a sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head on the neck. In a rapid event like a motor vehicle collision, the head is thrown forward and backward so quickly that the cervical spine undergoes extreme flexion and extension. This abrupt motion strains and often tears the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules, and can irritate discs or nerve roots. It’s an injury pattern focused on soft tissues from the rapid change in velocity, not a direct crush, a fracture from a single impact, or a chronic overuse issue built up over time.