Whiplash

This information may be useful if you've been diagnosed with whiplash, which is also known as Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). If you have new symptoms, or symptoms that are still going on, contact your doctor.

Whiplash happens when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards in a whip-like movement. This can irritate some of the muscles and ligaments in your neck. You often won't feel any pain or stiffness for 24 to 48 hours after the injury. These symptoms normally settle on their own in 2 to 3 months.

Common causes of whiplash include:

• being involved in a car accident
• a fall
• a sporting injury

See a doctor urgently if you have noticed any of these symptoms for the first time, or if they have become much worse:

• changes in how your bladder or bowel works, for example urgency, going more often, difficulty passing urine, leaking or incontinence
• changes in feeling around the bottom or the genitals, or problems with sex, for example a recent inability to get an orgasm or an erection
• poorer balance or difficulty walking
• pain, weakness, heaviness or changing feeling in the arms or legs
• clumsy hands, for example dropping things, or struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
• neck pain that comes with a severe headache

If you can't reach your doctor, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

• you also feel generally unwell
• you have other health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer

Whiplash usually shows up as pain in the neck, and that pain may spread to the head, arm and upper back. Many people also find the neck stiff, so it's hard to move the head.

You may also have some of these for a short time:

• headaches
• tinnitus
• dizziness or blurred vision
• muscle spasms
• nausea, sleep disturbance
• pain in the jaw
• pain when swallowing
• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating

A doctor may need to assess you before whiplash can be diagnosed. They'll ask you some questions and examine you physically, which may include checking how well you can move and how strong you are.

Occasionally you may need a further examination, so that other possible health conditions can be ruled out.

In most cases, whiplash gets better gradually with the right help and advice. This can take a number of months.

Here are things you can do to help yourself:

• gently moving your neck and shoulders, straight after your injury
• avoiding staying in one position for long periods
• trying to carry on with your everyday activities (it might hurt a little, but it will speed up your recovery)
• returning early to your normal hobbies, which is encouraged

Using a neck collar or brace is not recommended because it does not help. It can often make symptoms worse.

• pain medication, which can help you move more comfortably, and that can help your recovery
• heat or ice packs
• physiotherapy
• psychological support

More about taking painkillers

Never put ice or heat straight onto your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, so you don't burn it.

How long you use ice depends on which area is painful, but it's generally up to 15 minutes. Leave a few hours between treatments.

Stop using ice or heat on the area and seek advice from a medical professional if the skin gets more red, changes colour or starts to blister.

If you have any problem with circulation or sensation, don't use ice or heat to treat neck pain.

If whatever caused your injury also left you with emotional trauma, you may want to read more about mental wellbeing, because it can affect your recovery.

You don't have to be free of every symptom before you think about going back to work. If you can keep going to work, or return as soon as you're able, it will help your recovery from whiplash.

Getting back to your normal daily activities bit by bit can also help you build up your strength and stamina.

If you follow this advice, you should see your whiplash get better gradually over time.

The biggest change in your symptoms should come within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have started to improve within 6 weeks.

If your whiplash hasn't improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, or if your symptoms get worse at any time, talk to a doctor about your symptoms.

Find out how to access MSK services in your area.

Don't include personal information, for example your name, location or any personal health conditions.