Whiplash
A whiplash injury occurs when the head is forcefully thrown forward and back, as in a rear end collision. Various structures of the neck may become injured, including muscles of the neck, ligaments, and facet joints. Injury to these structures lead to symptoms of headaches, neck pain, and possibly pain radiating into the arm. In some cases, patients describe symptoms of vertigo (dizziness) or ringing in the ears. Physical therapy includes modalities to ease pain and inflammation, massage to decrease muscle guarding, and gentle exercises and mobilization to improve motion.