A whiplash injury involves the neck rapidly moving backwards and forwards past its normal range of motion.  Usually the injury is caused by a rear end or front end road traffic accident, but can also be caused by a fall or sports injury.  The injury damages the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck with the longus coli, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae muscles the most commonly affected.  In more severe incidences joint sprains,...

Trigger points are specific small areas of hypersensitive tight muscle tissue.  They often feel like a lump or knot within the muscle.  They are caused by injury, or more often long term repetitive strain.  Multiple muscle fibres become locked into a constantly tight and contracted state.  This persistent contraction compromises circulation and results in an accumulation of lactic acid and other waste products that cause chemical irriation...