DefinitionWhiplash is when the soft tissues of the neck are injured by a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.See also: Neck painConsiderationsWhen a vehicle stops suddenly in a crash or is struck from behind, a seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward. But the head may snap forward, then backward, causing whiplash.CausesIn addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by Roller Coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken. (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome.)SymptomsYou may feel pain and stiffness in your neck for the first few days following a whiplash injury. Then you feel better, but the pain a