Version July 2025
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What is whiplash? —
This is a neck injury that happens when the head suddenly gets jerked forward and then backward. It usually happens from car accidents or sports injuries.
A whiplash injury can damage different parts of the neck (figure 1), such as the:
●Bones – The neck has 7 bones that are stacked on top of each other. They make up the top part of the spine and are called the "cervical vertebrae."
●Ligaments – These are strong tissues that connect bones to other bones.
●Discs – These are cushions that sit between the bones.
●Muscles – Muscles hold the head up and make the neck move.
●Nerves – A large bundle of nerves (called the "spinal cord") travels down the middle of the spine. Nerves branch off from the spinal cord to all parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of whiplash? —
Common symptoms include:
●Neck pain
●Muscle tightness or spasm
●Being unable to move or turn the neck
●Headache, especially in the back of the head
Will I need tests? —
Probably not. Your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have whiplash by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam.
Some people with whiplash need tests. Depending on your symptoms and how long they have lasted, your doctor might do an X-ray, MRI scan, or CT scan. These are imaging tests that create pictures of the inside of the body.
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
Whiplash usually gets better on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. Talk to your doctor or nurse about any activities you should avoid while your neck heals.
To help with your pain and symptoms, you can:
●Take a pain-relieving medicine – Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or an "NSAID." NSAIDs include ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Put ice on the area to help with pain – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area a few times a day, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and the skin.
●Put heat on the area to help with pain and stiffness – Take a hot shower or bath. You can also put a hot towel or heating pad (on the "low" setting) on the area. Apply heat for 15 minutes at a time. Be careful not to burn your skin.
●Do neck stretches and exercises – Your doctor will tell you which stretches and exercises to do, and how often to do them.
●Practice good posture:
•Avoid carrying bags by wearing their shoulder straps on your shoulder.
•Avoid sitting for too many hours at a time. When you do sit, sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. It might help to adjust your position often.
•Keep your head and neck in line with your body when you sleep. You might have less pain if you sleep on your back with pillows under your thighs. Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side.
How is severe whiplash treated? —
If your symptoms are severe or do not get better, your doctor might recommend:
●Medicines – Your doctor might prescribe stronger pain medicines. They can also prescribe medicines to relax your muscles. These medicines, called "muscle relaxants," can be particularly helpful when you sleep.
●Physical therapy (working with an exercise expert)
If these treatments do not help, your doctor will talk with you about other possible treatments.
What treatments are not helpful? —
Most doctors do not recommend wearing neck collars, especially for long periods of time. If a neck collar eases your pain, wear a soft one for less than 3 hours at a time. Wearing one for too long can make your neck muscles get too weak.
Other treatments that are not helpful include surgery or a treatment that pulls on the head to lengthen the neck (called "cervical traction").
How can I help prevent whiplash? —
You should:
●Drive safely – Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure that the strap is across your shoulder. Keep the headrest in a position that will stop your head from jerking back if you are rear-ended.
●Be careful playing sports – Some activities can put you at risk of a neck injury. These include football, soccer, rugby, and skateboarding. Always wear proper padding and safety gear.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your doctor or nurse if:
●Your symptoms are getting worse and are so severe that you cannot do normal activities (such as dress or eat).
●Your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of home treatment.
●You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.
●You feel dizzy.
●You have nausea or vomiting that does not go away.
Patient education: Neck pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Neck fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Cervical spinal stenosis (The Basics)
