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What Causes Whiplash?

Whiplash - What Is It? Symptoms & Treatment

Understanding what causes whiplash is essential if you’ve been involved in an accident and are experiencing neck pain or stiffness. The overview below explains how whiplash injuries happen, when symptoms typically appear, and what you should know if you think you may have a claim.

Whiplash most commonly occurs in car accidents as result of sudden deceleration i.e. a sudden movement of the head either forward, backward or sideways.

Whiplash occurs when the ligaments in the spine are stretched and strained after the body is thrown in a sudden, forceful jerk. Although whiplash most commonly occurs in car crashes involving sudden braking, the injury can also occur in other circumstances such as a sudden blow to the head or slip or fall.

What does whiplash feel like?​

Whiplash occurs when the ligaments in the spine are stretched and strained after the body is thrown in a sudden, forceful jerk. Although whiplash most commonly occurs in car crashes involving sudden braking, the injury can also occur in other circumstances such as a sudden blow to the head or slip or fall.

Have You Had An Accident Involving Whiplash?

Learn more about our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors or visit our Whiplash Compensation Claim page if you think you think you may be eligible to make a claim for whiplash as a result of road traffic accident.

Is Whiplash Dangerous?

You should alert a doctor/medical staff if you experience memory loss or periods of unconsciousness after a collision. This is especially the case if the patient experiences severe pains in the back of the head, pins and needles in the arms or shoulders or the sensation of heaviness in the arms.

Is there anything the patient can do about whiplash injury?

What does the NHS Direct website recommend for Whiplash?

You should alert a doctor/medical staff if you experience memory loss or periods of unconsciousness after a collision. This is especially the case if the patient experiences severe pains in the back of the head, pins and needles in the arms or shoulders or the sensation of heaviness in the arms.

Is there anything the patient can do about whiplash injury?

Icepack

“As soon as possible after the injury occurs apply an ice pack to the neck to help relieve inflammation.

An ice bag should first be wrapped in a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact between the skin and the ice for 10 to 30minutes at a time.”

Exercise

The site also recommends that people suffering with whiplash should “try to move their neck normally. If the pain in the neck is severe, rest the neck for a day or so until the pain eases. After the pain has eased, exercise your neck gently so that it doesn’t become stiff.”

Painkillers

“Painkillers such as paracetamol will help ease the pain caused by whiplash. Taking painkillers regularly (do not exceed the recommended dose), rather than only when the pain is severe, may help prevent the pain from getting worse.

If normal painkillers such as paracetamol do not help, consult your GP.”

Physiotherapy

“If you have pain caused by whiplash, a physiotherapist may be able to help using treatments such as manipulation and massage. They will be able to give you advice on neck exercises you can do to relieve pain and stiffness in your neck.”

How does a doctor diagnose whiplash?

Usually the diagnosis is made on the background of the injury and the patient’s description of symptoms. Whiplash cannot be seen on an MRI scan, CT scan or X-ray, although an X-ray is taken if there is a suspicion of fracture or dislocation. It is recommended an appointment be made with your GP if you have any symptoms of whiplash following an accident.

If you would like further advice on making a claim for whiplash as a result of an accident please contact us on 01244 312306.

Headaches are a common symptom of whiplash

Pain or stiffness in the neck and/or the back of the head

Neck swelling or tenderness is a common symptom of whiplash.

Reduction in or loss of movement in neck

Other symptoms of whiplash can include:

  • Pain, numbness or pins and needles in the arms or hands
  • Muscle spasms
  • Lower back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

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