Whiplash is an injury to the neck or back that usually happens when one meets with an accident, especially when one has been hit from the back. It is basically a soft tissue injury. It is also known by other names like neck strain or neck sprain.  Whiplash claim happens due to a sudden jerk on the neck either towards the back (extension) or towards the front (flexion).

The pain in the neck and back that is caused by whiplash go away in, at the most, 3 or 4 months.  Many of the victims are given pain killers so that they don’t have to put up with the discomfort on the neck. There are also given anti inflammatory non steroidal drugs. They are also instructed to do certain exercises that will help them to recover faster. Wearing a band around the neck that allows the neck to remain in a certain position, for around a month can be helpful.

The public auto insurer in Quebec, Canada, formed the Quebec task force that did extensive study on Whiplash and came up with many grades of the disease, some that don’t go beyond the pain in the neck, and some that need intensive medical attention.

Headrests in many cars were developed as an implement to prevent whiplashes. But, it has been seen, that these head rest have, I many cases, been the very reason of the injury. But now certain car industries, like Benz, Opel, ford etc, install devices in the car that prevents whiplash. They come under names like Active head restraint, Whiplash protection system etc. A ‘’no win no fee’’ accident claim consultant can help you out in all cases.