A cervical sprain is an injury resulting from a sharp movement of the neck after the head is forcibly bent backward (hyperextension) or forward (hyperflexion).
The term "whiplash" refers to the kinematic mechanism that causes the injury. It is usually caused by a sudden deceleration while a person is in motion (for example, a person in a vehicle that crashes).
Symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck. These symptoms may spread to the lower back part of the cranium (occipital lobe), the shoulders, and between the shoulder blades.
Diagnosis is clinical. It is completed with an x-ray showing a change in the normal curvature of the spine.
Treatment is based on pain management with anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment should be supplemented with physical therapy to help the neck recover.
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