Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly accelerates and then rapidly decelerates, placing excessive strain on the soft tissues that support the neck. In addition to neck pain and stiffness, this motion can produce a variety of symptoms collectively known as whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). To better define and manage these injuries, the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders (1995) developed a classification system that grades whiplash severity from I to IV.
WAD I is characterized by neck pain and stiffness without any objective findings on physical examination. In other words, there is no loss of range of motion; no muscle spasm…
