Whiplash
Clarifying whiplash
Whiplash refers to a neck injury caused by a sudden acceleration or deceleration force, most commonly during a road traffic collision.
Symptoms can develop immediately or appear gradually over the following hours or days.
Whiplash may involve irritation of muscles, joints, ligaments, or other soft tissues around the neck and upper back, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced confidence with movement.
Most people improve well over time, particularly with the right advice and a gradual return to normal movement and activity.
Common symptoms
Neck pain and stiffness
Pain or restriction affecting neck movement, particularly after sudden movement or prolonged positions.
Headaches
Often felt around the base of the skull or upper neck following irritation of the neck structures.
Upper back and shoulder tension
Muscle tightness or discomfort around the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Dizziness or altered sensation
Some people may experience dizziness, pins and needles, or altered sensation following injury.
Reduced confidence with movement
Movement can feel guarded or uncomfortable, particularly in the early stages after injury.
How we can help
Treatment is guided by your symptoms, stage of recovery, and how you are responding over time.
This may include advice around movement and activity, rehabilitation, hands-on treatment, or strategies to help restore confidence and normal movement.
Where appropriate, treatment may also involve approaches such as acupuncture or gym-based rehabilitation as part of a broader recovery plan.
The focus is on supporting a gradual return to normal activity and reducing the risk of symptoms becoming more persistent.
Conditions
Other Conditions We Treat
