Whiplash is a term commonly used to describe a neck injury that results from the sudden movement of the head backward and forward, often due to a car accident. It can cause pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck area and sometimes leads to headaches or other symptoms.
The term "whiplash" comes from the combination of "whip," referring to the quick, snapping motion akin to that of a whip, and "lash," which refers to the sudden and forceful movement. The word began to be used medically in the early 20th century to describe the neck injuries caused by such movements.