What are whiplash symptoms and what should you do about them?
Whiplash can happen when the head moves rapidly back and forth in a crash, particularly in a rear-end collision. The injury can cause neck pain, stiffness and headaches.
Most of the time, the pain is temporary. However, some people develop chronic neck pain and suffer from long-term complications.
See a healthcare professional for new neck pain or other symptoms after a crash. A prompt examination helps rule out a fracture or another injury requiring urgent treatment. Mayo Clinic’s guide to whiplash describes symptoms and when to seek care.
What is whiplash?
Technically, whiplash is the mechanism of injury. It refers to the force and motion that causes the head to quickly snap forward and back. The mainstream definition of whiplash also includes the pain caused by the neck lurching back and forth.
Signs of Whiplash
Symptoms can begin within days of an injury. They may include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches (these often start at the base of the skull)
- Increased pain when moving the neck
- Neck pain, soreness, and stiffness
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
Tell a clinician about tingling, weakness or trouble moving. New weakness, trouble walking or loss of bladder or bowel control after trauma needs emergency assessment.
It’s important to receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis to rule out serious injuries like a fractured spine, bulging or herniated discs, and damage to any ligaments, muscles, nerves, and other soft tissues in the neck.
Can You Get a Concussion From Whiplash?
The same jolt can cause a concussion, even without a direct blow to the head. Symptoms can overlap, so a clinician should assess new symptoms after a crash.
- Blurry vision
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
You don’t have to fall unconscious to suffer a concussion. What could be a whiplash headache and what could be a concussion may be difficult to determine on your own.
Call 911 for danger signs such as a worsening headache that will not go away, repeated vomiting, a seizure or increasing confusion. The CDC lists concussion warning signs.
Chronic Whiplash
Many people improve within weeks, but some continue to have neck pain and other symptoms for months or longer. Your clinician can advise you if pain or limited motion persists.
There’s no way to determine how whiplash will affect someone. Chronic whiplash pain is more likely if your initial symptoms were intense and appeared soon after the accident, and included:
- Severe neck pain
- Loss of range of motion
- Pain that spreads into the arms
Delayed Whiplash
Some people notice increasing stiffness or a headache in the days after a collision. Record when symptoms began and what activities make them worse. Seek medical advice about new or persistent symptoms.
Keep copies of visit summaries and record any limitations affecting work or daily activities.
How to Treat Whiplash
Whiplash treatment varies with the injury, the examination and the person’s symptoms. The first step is an assessment, especially after a significant crash.
Caring for Whiplash at Home
After serious injuries have been ruled out, ask your clinician about gentle movement, returning to activity and appropriate pain relief. Prolonged rest or immobilization can delay recovery in some cases. See Mayo Clinic’s treatment overview.
Before taking an over-the-counter medicine, ask a clinician or pharmacist if it is suitable for you, especially if you take other medication.
Getting Medical Care for Whiplash
If your whiplash pain is severe or your symptoms are not going away, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment options.
A clinician may use X-rays or other imaging if the examination suggests a fracture or another injury. Imaging decisions depend on the circumstances.
How Long Does Whiplash Take to Heal?
Recovery time varies. If pain changes, spreads or keeps you from returning to everyday activities, arrange follow-up instead of relying on a fixed recovery date.
