Over the last 20 years, hundreds of scientific studies have been conducted on the biomechanics of whiplash injuries. We've reviewed all of these, and have summarized the most important studies here for your review.

To read the studies, simply click on the headline link.

Whiplash Injury Weakens the Neck
Many scientific studies have shown that the ligaments of the spine can be stretched during a rear end collision. This report shows that the neck is dramatically weakened after a crash.

Ligament Injury from Frontal Collisions
Even low speed collisions can result in dramatic forces on the human neck. In this study, researchers found that the ligaments of the spine can be stretched or torn during whiplash injuries. Ligament injury can result in long-term pain and disability, if not treated properly.

Low Back Pain After Whiplash: Mechanism of Injury
Low back pain is fairly common after a rear-end collision, and this study shows how the seat back can cause damage to the lower spine.

Transverse Ligament Injury After Whiplash
The transverse ligament can be a hidden source of whiplash pain in some patients.

Objective Evidence of Ligament Injury After Whiplash
Leading whiplash researchers used MRI in this report to diagnose ligament strain in whiplash patients.

Ligament Injury After Side Impact Collisions
This study shows that side impact injuries can result in ligament injury, just as rear impacts can.

Shoulder Injury After Whiplash
Shoulder pain is another common symptom after a car crash, and this article reviews two studies that describe how these injuries can occur.

Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Injury After Whiplash
In some patients with chronic pain, it can be difficult to diagnose the root case of the problem. This study shows that in some patients, ligament tearing can result in spinal instability and pain.

Hidden Spinal Injuries After Whiplash
This study examined autopsy findings of whiplash patients who had died of other causes. The authors found many hidden spinal injuries — injuries that were invisible on X-ray or MRI exams.

Spine Injury Due to Head-Turned Rear Impact
It has been known for years that having your head turned at the time of impact puts you at risk of greater injury during a rear-end collision. This study details the types of injuries that can result in these cases.

Proof of Ligament Injury After Whiplash Trauma
This study found that frontal collisions can also cause ligament injury and that the position of the occupant's head at the time of crash plays an important role in the type of injury suffered.