Despite what most people think and the type of language often used in the press and on television, whiplash is not an injury.
The term describes what happens when your head is thrown violently backwards and forwards (known in the medical world as hyperextension and hyperflexion), which most commonly happens if you are involved in a road traffic accident, such as a rear end shunt, a side impact or other type of collision between vehicles.
There are injuries which are commonly associated with whiplash and other, more serious injuries, which occur less frequently.
The term whiplash, however, does not describe the injuries but instead describes what happens to your head and neck. When you think about a whipping motion, the term makes perfect sense.
It is important to remember that there is a lot of false information out there about whiplash and whiplash injuries.
Accordingly, if you have been in an accident you should not sit at home and try and diagnose your injuries on your own. The effects can be too serious for that and it is therefore essential that you make sure you are properly checked out.
Think of it this way, if you are given a clean bill of health then it will have been worth going to the Doctor to put your mind to rest.
On the other hand, if you have suffered an injury then your Doctor is the best person to diagnose that injury and to tell you what type of treatment you need.
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