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Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury similar to a strain or sprain, caused by an abrupt back-and-forth motion of the head and neck. It most often follows a rear-end car collision, but sports injuries and falls can cause it too. Most whiplash improves with conservative care, and persistent pain may point to an injured disc, joint, or nerve that can be treated.

Woman holding her neck after a car accident
Driver holding his neck after a rear-end car collision

What Is Whiplash?

During a sudden impact, the head is thrown backward and then forward faster than the neck muscles can react. This rapid motion can overstretch or tear the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsules of the cervical spine, and in some cases injure the discs or nerves.
 
Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours. Most people recover within weeks, but some develop lasting neck pain. When neck pain occurs without a known injury, it may come from another source such as a herniated disc or pinched nerve; see neck pain.

Treatments For Whiplash

Treatment usually begins conservatively in the first days after the injury and advances only if symptoms persist.

Early care

  • Anti-inflammatory medication. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen reduce swelling and pain.
  • Ice, heat, and rest. Followed by gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Physical therapy. Restores motion and strength in the neck.

If symptoms persist

If imaging shows an injured disc compressing a nerve, minimally invasive options may be considered.

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How Whiplash is Diagnosed

Your physician will take a history of the injury and examine the range of motion, tenderness, strength, reflexes, and sensation of the neck and arms. X-rays rule out fractures after significant trauma. MRI is used when there are nerve symptoms or when pain does not improve, to look for an injured disc or ligament.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review. Our team will examine your imaging, answer your questions, and help point you toward effective treatment.
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Doctor reviewing a neck X-ray with a whiplash patient wearing a cervical collar

Common Causes Of Whiplash

Any force that whips the head back and forth can cause whiplash. Common causes include:

Rear-end car collisions

The most common cause of whiplash.

Contact sports

Tackles and collisions in football, hockey, and similar sports.

Falls

A fall that jolts the head backward or forward.

Amusement rides

Sudden acceleration and stops.

Physical assault

A blow or shaking that snaps the head.

Pre-existing wear

Existing disc or joint wear can make an injury more painful.

After An Accident

Symptoms can be delayed, so a few steps in the days after a collision help protect your recovery.

  1. 1

    Watch for warning signs

    Severe neck pain, weakness, numbness, or trouble walking need urgent care.

  2. 2

    Start gentle care early

    Anti-inflammatory medication, ice, then heat and gentle movement.

  3. 3

    Get evaluated if pain lingers

    Pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks, or travels into the arm, deserves an examination.

  4. 4

    Follow a rehabilitation plan

    Physical therapy restores motion and strength and lowers the risk of chronic pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon do whiplash symptoms appear?

Symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and headache usually appear within 24 hours of the injury, although some people notice them over the following days.

How long does whiplash last?

Many people improve within a few weeks. Some have symptoms for several months, and a smaller number develop chronic neck pain that benefits from specialist evaluation.

Should I see a doctor after a car accident even if I feel fine?

An evaluation after a significant collision is reasonable, because symptoms can be delayed. Seek urgent care for severe neck pain, weakness, numbness, or trouble walking.

What is the treatment for whiplash?

Treatment usually begins with anti-inflammatory medication, ice, heat, and gentle movement, followed by physical therapy. Prescription medication, muscle relaxants, and injections can help when symptoms persist.

Can whiplash cause a herniated disc?

Yes. The force of a whiplash injury can damage a cervical disc or aggravate existing wear, which may compress a nerve and cause arm pain, numbness, or weakness.

Can whiplash cause headaches and dizziness?

Yes. Headaches at the base of the skull are common after whiplash, and some people experience dizziness, blurred vision, or fatigue.

When is imaging needed after whiplash?

X-rays rule out fractures after significant trauma. MRI is used when there are nerve symptoms or when pain does not improve with conservative care.

Where can I be evaluated for whiplash?

Total Spine and Orthopedics evaluates neck injuries in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

Symptoms Of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms usually appear within 24 hours of the injury. Common signs include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness with reduced range of motion.
  • Headaches, particularly at the top of the neck and base of the skull.
  • Blurry vision and dizziness.
  • Shoulder or upper back pain and muscle spasm.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, which may signal a nerve injury.
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Related Conditions

Neck Pain

At some point in life, most adults experience some level of neck pain. Whether you woke up in the morning with a “crick in your neck” or you have felt the constant dull pain of a spine condition, you understand the frustration neck pain can cause.

Herniated Discs

Chances are you’ve heard of a herniated disc. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, you are likely also familiar with the pain and symptoms often caused by this condition. As you begin to research the treatment options available to help you find pain relief, it’s important to understand what causes a herniated disc to develop in the first place.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are one of the most common causes of chronic neck and back pain. A nerve becomes “pinched” when it is placed under pressure from an external source, such as an out of place bone or soft tissue from a herniated disc.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a pinched spinal nerve root causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into an arm or leg. Learn the causes and minimally invasive treatments.

Arthritis Of The Spine

Arthritis is one of the most common types of disorders experienced by older people, with some estimates stating that as many as 67 million people may suffer from some form of arthritis by the year 2025. Arthritis can affect many different parts of the body and the spine is unfortunately not immune. This type of arthritis is typically known as arthritis of the spine and its onset can cause or worsen a variety of other issues that can cause neck and back pain as well as a variety of other issues.

Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, you are not alone. Back pain affects 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives, and, in fact, low back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability in people under the age of 45. There are many causes of back pain, with some more serious than others.

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