'Whip-lash' injury is caused due to:

Ans. is 'b' i.e. acute hyperextension of the spine Whiplash injuryIt is a term given to soft tissue sprains of the neck seen commonly after automobile accidents. It is mainly seen after hyperextension of the spine however it can also occur with flexion and rotationMechanism of injuryIt usually follows a rear end collision of automobile in which the occupant's body is thrown forwards and the head jerked backwards with hyperextension of the lower cervical spine.Clinical features: -Pain & Stiffness of the neck (appears within 12 to 48 hrs. of accidents)Neck tendernessNeurological deficits (uncommon)Diagnosis -X-ray - straightening out of the normal cervical lordosis (a sign of muscle spasm)MRI -may show disc abnormalities.TreatmentSimple pain relieving methods (analgesics) needed for the first few weeks.Then physiotherapy is needed.(collars are more likely to hinder than to help recovery)