Whiplash
Whiplash
If you've been told you have whiplash, also known as Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), this information might be helpful. If you're experiencing new or ongoing symptoms, you should contact your doctor.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is what happens when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards in a whip-like movement. This can irritate the muscles and ligaments in your neck. It's common to have a delay of 24 to 48 hours before you feel any pain or stiffness from whiplash. Usually, these symptoms will get better on their own within 2 to 3 months.
Common causes of whiplash include:
- being involved in a car accident
- a fall
- a sporting injury
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
You have experienced a new onset or significant worsening of the following symptoms:
- changes to bladder and bowel function such as urgency, frequency, difficulty passing urine, leaking, incontinence
- changes to sensation around the bottom and/or genitals or sexual dysfunction such as recent inability to achieve orgasm or erection
- reduced balance or difficulty walking
- pain, weakness, heaviness or changing sensation in the arms or legs
- clumsy hands such as dropping things, struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
- if your neck pain is associated with a severe headache
Call a doctor or the 16263 health line if your doctor practice is closed.
Contact your doctor if you have whiplash and:
- you also feel generally unwell
- you have other health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer
Diagnosis
A doctor can diagnose whiplash after asking you questions and carrying out a physical examination. This may include checking your range of movement and strength. Occasionally you may need to have a further examination to rule out other possible health conditions.
Treatment
Treatment of whiplash
In most cases whiplash will resolve gradually over time with the right help and advice. This can take a number of months.
Things you can do to help yourself includes:
- gently moving your neck and shoulders, immediately after your injury
- avoiding prolonged static postures
- try to continue doing everyday activities – it might hurt a little but it will speed up your recovery
- early return to your normal hobbies are encouraged
Using a neck collar or brace is not recommended as it does not help. It can often make symptoms worse.
Other treatments that can help
- pain medication – this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
- heat or ice packs
- physiotherapy
- psychological support
More about taking painkillers
You should never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.
How long you use ice as a treatment can depend on the painful area but generally up to 15 minutes. You should leave a few hours between treatments.
You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for neck pain.
If the cause of your injury has also caused emotional trauma, you may want to read more about mental wellbeing as this can impact your recovery.
Work
You don’t need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work. Continuing to go to work, or returning to work as soon as is possible for you, will help your recovery.
Gradually getting back to your normal daily activities can help to build up your strength and stamina levels.
Help and support
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have started to improve within 6 weeks.
If there has been no improvement in your whiplash within 6 weeks of following this advice, or if your symptoms get worse at any time, talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Find out how to access MSK services in your area.
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