Cervical Strain : (Whiplash)

Presentation

The patient will complain of neck pain after any mechanism that caused forceful neck hyperextension followed by hyperflexion. This is most commonly seen after a motor vehicle collision when the vehicle is struck from behind, but sports injuries and falls may also cause this injury. Patients may present directly after sustaining the injury complaining of acute neck pain, may arrive the following day complaining of increased neck stiffness and pain, or may seek medical attention any time afterward to have the injuries documented. The injury was incurred when the neck was subjected to sudden extension and flexion, possibly injuring intervertebral joints, disks, and ligaments; cervical muscles; or even nerve roots. As is common with other strains and sprains, the stiffness and pain tend to peak 1 to 3 days after the injury.