Guide

Whiplash: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Whiplash is a neck injury from a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, most often in a rear-end crash. It is examined in person and usually treated with hands-on care and guided movement.

How it happens

The head is thrown backward and forward quickly, straining the muscles and ligaments of the neck.

Common symptoms

Neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, and sometimes dizziness or tingling in the arms. Symptoms can begin a day or more after the crash.

How it is examined

A provider checks movement, tenderness, strength and reflexes, and orders imaging when the exam calls for it.

Treatment

Care is usually progressive: reduce pain, restore movement, then rebuild strength. The provider sets the plan and adjusts it as you improve.

Common questions

How long does whiplash last?

It varies by person and injury. Your provider can tell you what to expect in your case after examining you.

Does whiplash show on an X-ray?

An X-ray shows bones. Soft tissue is not seen well on it, which is why the physical exam matters.

Send a Referral

This page is general information and is not medical or legal advice.