Whiplash is the collection of symptoms that follows a sudden forceful movement of the head and neck, most often in a road traffic accident. Neck pain and stiffness are the obvious ones. Headaches, shoulder and upper back pain, and sometimes dizziness or difficulty concentrating also feature, and people are frequently surprised that symptoms are worse on day two or three than immediately afterwards.
More information
The single most useful thing to know
Early movement beats rest. The old approach of a soft collar and waiting has been superseded, because immobilising a neck after whiplash leads to more stiffness and slower recovery, not less pain. Active treatment started early is associated with better outcomes, and it is what we will encourage from the first appointment even though moving is the last thing you want to do.
What treatment involves
Reassurance and explanation first, because fear of movement is one of the strongest predictors of a slow recovery, and understanding what has happened genuinely changes the outcome. Then hands on treatment to ease pain and restore range, graded exercise, and a return to normal activity as quickly as the symptoms allow.
How long does it take
Most people recover substantially within a few weeks to a few months. A minority develop longer lasting symptoms, and the risk of that is lower in people who stay active, get treated early and are not frightened of their neck. If you are already several months in and still struggling, treatment is still worth having.
After an accident
If you were knocked out, cannot move your neck at all, have severe pain in the middle of the neck, or have pins and needles or weakness in your arms or legs, that needs assessing at hospital before physiotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear a collar after whiplash?
Why is my neck worse two days after the accident?
How long does whiplash take to recover?
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