Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly jerked or jolted, causing it to move violently backwards, forwards, or sideways.

The force of the motion makes your neck move beyond its normal range of movement, overstretching the ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Motor vehicle accidents

Car and motorcycle accidents are a common cause of whiplash because they often involve a sudden stopping force or collision that makes your head move violently.

As whiplash can occur when your head is thrown forwards, backwards, or sideways, the condition can develop following collisions from the front, back or side. Low speed collisions can also cause whiplash.

Other causes

As well as road accidents, whiplash can also be caused by:

• a sudden blow to the head – for example, during contact sports, such as boxing or rugby
• a slip or fall where the head is suddenly and violently jolted backwards
• being struck on the head by a heavy or solid object