Whiplash injury
A passenger in a motor vehicle in a rear end collision may suffer a whiplash injury to the neck, where the impact forces the person's head back and then forward at great speed. This can overstretch the neck and upper back region, resulting in a strain or tear to the supporting ligaments, muscles and discs, and even irritating the nerves. The common symptoms of a whiplash injury are pain, stiffness and headache. Recovery depends on the individual and extent of the injury, but can take at least three weeks.
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