Whiplash describes the neck pain which follows a 'soft tissue' injury to neck, that is an injury where no bones are broken but instead the muscles, ligaments and tendons are injured.

Causes and Symptoms

Most commonly whiplash injuries are caused when a car is hit from behind. The neck is flexed and extended without head support, and this tears the muscle and ligament fibres which contract to try and protect the head. In a typical whiplash injury the muscles at the front of the neck feel tender, and any movement of the neck is painful. Sometimes with less severe injuries, the pain may only come on after a day or so. The symptoms include pain in the neck, headaches, occasionally low back pain, arm pain, numbness and tingling in the arms, and pain in the jaw. If severe pain starts immediately or soon after the accident, then an x-ray of the neck may be helpful to exclude a fracture.

Treatment

Initially, the acute pain can be severe, however it usually starts to settle within a few days. Although the pain may be severe, the person should not let the pain stop them moving their neck. Muscle injuries respond best to movement. Permanent damage is rare, most of the problems occur from persistent pain and stiffness. The people who do best are those who stay active, and get their neck moving early on despite any discomfort and gets on with life. The long term outlook is good, although it may take up to two years before the pain settles completely .

Physiotherapy is helpful and needs to be started as soon as possible after the injury. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen are also as is acupuncture. Painkillers need to be taken regularly to prevent the pain building up to unbearable levels. Hot and cold packs on the neck muscles can help reduce any pain and swelling in the neck. If you are given a collar, after the first couple of days, try to manage without it as much as possible. It maybe helpful if you have to go somewhere on public transport to alert people to your condition but if a collar is worn for too long it can delay recovery.

Anxiety and stress can increase the amount of pain we feel. Any car accident is frightening and when this is combined with a neck injury, the individual can often become extremely anxious about moving their neck. Relaxation exercises, gentle yoga and massage can help.