What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to your muscles, tendons or other soft tissues of your neck. It is caused when your head moves suddenly in one direction and then back quickly. It is a common injury during a motor vehicle accident.

When your neck is forced beyond its usual range of movement, it can stretch or sprain the soft tissues such as muscles and tendons. This causes pain and discomfort in your neck and shoulders.

What are the symptoms of whiplash?

Sometimes you can have no symptoms after a whiplash injury, but they can also be severe. The symptoms can begin immediately after the injury or take several hours or even days to show up.

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• pain, stiffness or tenderness in your neck
• headache or aches in your arms or shoulders
• numbness, weakness or 'pins and needles' in your arms or shoulders
• difficulty concentrating
• dizziness or feeling light headed
• difficulties swallowing or changes in your hearing, sight or smell

It can be frustrating when your neck hurts because the injury cannot be seen from the surface.

Your symptoms are likely to improve or disappear within a few days to weeks. Sometimes it may take several months for your symptoms to disappear completely.

What causes whiplash?

Whiplash injuries are commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents.

It happens when your head and neck move suddenly and quickly in one direction, and then back just as fast.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have had a motor vehicle accident or an injury. Your doctor will do a medical check and advise you about treatment.

How is whiplash diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you. Your doctor will:

• check you for pain, stiffness and tenderness
• check your neurological signs, such as your reflexes, any muscle weakness or problems related to hearing
• ask you about any effects on your daily activities, whether you get headaches and your ability to drive
• check for broken bones or dislocation

Usually, x-rays or other tests are not needed. A whiplash injury won't show up on an x-ray. However, your doctor may arrange a neck x-ray if they are concerned you may have a broken bone or dislocation.

How is whiplash treated?

There are a number of things you can do to help your injury get better.

Stay active

While you are recovering from whiplash, try to stay active. Continue your normal activities as much as you can. However, avoid doing activities that make your neck hurt more, especially at the beginning of your recovery.

Adapt your activities

At first, you may need to adapt how you move to take care of your neck. Then slowly build up to your normal activities as your neck improves.

You might have to change some activities for a while to avoid unnecessary strain on your neck. For example, you may need to cut down on housework or gardening. Avoid sudden movements or carrying heavy bags.

Consider your posture

Correct posture is important after a whiplash injury. Keep your back straight when you are sitting, standing or walking to help prevent stiffness and pain. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, take regular breaks to stand and move around. Sit up straight and use chairs with good back support.

Additionally, try to sleep on your back or side instead of on your stomach. Try not to bend your head forward for long periods while you are using your phone.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can assist you in regaining movement in your neck. Physiotherapists use gentle exercises, manipulation and massage to help restore your body's full range of movements.

They can also teach you how to exercise without causing further damage to your neck.

Pain relief medicines

If you are in pain, get advice from your doctor or pharmacist on suitable pain relief medicines.

What are the complications of whiplash?

Serious whiplash injuries can damage your nerves or cause neck fractures or dislocation.

Most people fully recover from a whiplash injury. Some people may have ongoing pain. You may develop depression or post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Having a positive attitude and believing in your ability to recover can help you get better faster. Your age and the severity of the initial injury also influence how quickly you will recover.

Resources and support

The My Whiplash Navigator is an online program that provides information about whiplash and self-guided exercises to support your recovery.

Read more on what to do if you have a whiplash injury, including exercises for whiplash, in the Whiplash Injury Recovery, A Self Help Guide from the University of Queensland, published by The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC).