Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.

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Whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end car accidents. But whiplash can also result from sports accidents, physical abuse and other types of traumas, such as a fall. Whiplash may be called a neck sprain or strain, but these terms also include other types of neck injuries.

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Signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury, and may include:

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• Neck pain and stiffness

• Worsening of pain with neck movement

• Loss of range of motion in the neck

• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull

• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms

• Tingling or numbness in the arms

• Fatigue

• Dizziness