Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement, as in a car accident, a heavy tackle or a fall.
Symptoms can appear hours or days afterwards, so it is worth getting checked even if you felt fine at first.
Common symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse the day after
- Headaches, usually from the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Dizziness, tingling in the arms, or trouble concentrating and sleeping
Assessment
After a significant accident, serious injury must be ruled out first. We screen for fractures and neurological problems, and refer you for imaging or medical review when needed. If you have been in a car accident and have not been seen by a doctor, see one first.
Recovery
Most people improve with early gentle movement, soft tissue treatment, joint mobilisation when appropriate and a progressive exercise program. Resting completely for long periods is generally unhelpful. Recovery times vary, and some people have symptoms that take months, so we set a plan and review it with you.
If your injury is a compensable claim, such as CTP or workers compensation, mention it when you book so we can explain what documentation we can provide.
Return to sport
Return to contact or collision sport should wait until you have full pain-free neck movement and strength, no neurological symptoms, and, if there was a head impact, medical clearance for concussion.
