Whiplash typically occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, as often seen in motor vehicle accidents. This rapid movement can injure muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints in the neck, and may also affect the brain and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating (cognitive fog)
- Visual disturbances
- Balance issues