This can cause damage to the soft tissues in your neck, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash can cause a range of symptoms and lead to long-term complications if left untreated.

• Car accidents: the most common cause of whiplash. It usually occurs due to rear-end collisions.
• Sports injuries: high contact sports such as rugby, wrestling, or football can involve sudden and rapid tackles which may cause whiplash.
• Physical assaults: being punched or shaken can result in whiplash, common seen in shaken baby syndrome. 
• Falls: although rare, falls can also sometimes cause whiplash.

The severity of whiplash can vary widely, depending on the force of the impact and your health status. Some individuals can recover from whiplash within a few days or weeks with enough rest, physiotherapy, and pain management, while others may experience symptoms that last for several months or even years.

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Reduced range of motion in your neck
• Headaches (starting at the base of your skull)
• Pain in your shoulders, upper back, or arms
• Tingling or numbness in your arms or hands
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
• Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

Some symptoms of whiplash may not appear immediately after the injury and may take several days or weeks to develop. 

However, there are some factors that may increase the risk of developing whiplash, these are:

• Age: older adults may be more susceptible to whiplash due to the natural degeneration of the spine and neck muscles over time.
• Gender: women may be at a higher risk of whiplash due to differences in neck muscle strength and anatomy.
• Previous neck injuries: you may be more vulnerable to whiplash if you have had a neck injury in the past.
• Certain occupations: individuals who work in jobs that require driving, have an increased risk of whiplash due to the potential of car accidents.
• Participating in sports: individuals who participate in contact or impact sports, have an increased risk of whiplash.

• Physical examination: your orthopaedist will perform a physical examination to assess your symptoms and determine if further testing or treatment is required. During the physical examination, your healthcare provider will typically ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.
• Imaging tests: x-rays, computer tomography scan (CT-scan), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be conducted to evaluate the extent of your injury and rule out other possible conditions.

Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment options may include:

• Rest: rest the affected area and avoid strenuous activities.
• Medications: pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Neck brace or collar: helps support the neck and reduce movement while your injury heals.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves the use of gentle and therapeutic exercises to help restore mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen your neck muscles.