Whiplash occurs when your body goes through a jarring movement, such as stopping suddenly in a vehicle where your body is whipped back and forth. Often whiplash feels like a stiff neck. You may have a dull ache in the area, and it may be painful to move your head around. Whiplash can be caused by sports injuries, car accidents, physical violence, and other incidents. The event that caused your whiplash can cause your entire body to feel sore and painful after it occurs, but it can especially be painful around your neck and shoulders.
The way that whiplash causes neck pain is that the sudden jerking backward or forward motion puts a strain on your neck muscles. In some severe cases, not only are the muscles strained but there can be damage to the soft tissue in your neck. In addition, ligaments and nerves along with the muscles can be damaged with severe jolts, such as what can occur with automobile accidents.