This occurs most commonly in automobile accidents but can also result from falls and other types of trauma. Many structures about the neck may be injured.
Muscles are nearly always strained because they are stretched beyond their normal length.
Ligaments are often injured in the same manner. Some degree of muscle spasm results along with an inability to turn the neck completely. Important blood vessels which pass upward through spinal vertebrae to reach the brain may also be injured, and this can cause dizziness. In the long run, the condition of the spinal discs and the integrity of ligaments are most important. Injured discs may degenerate later leading to cervical spine arthritis, and torn ligaments which are allowed to heal long will never hold vertebrae in alignment.