Most cases of whiplash are caused by car accidents. The force that arises from an auto accident leads strains the muscles in the neck. When this occurs, doctors typically diagnose it as whiplash. Before you can obtain the right treatments for whiplash, your doctor will need to diagnose it. Here is an explanation of what whiplash is, how doctors diagnose it, and how they treat it. What Whiplash Is and How It Feels