What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Common symptoms of whiplash include:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Pain in the shoulders or between the shoulder blades
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash is mainly caused by:
- Car accidents, especially rear-end collisions
- Sports injuries
- Falls or other physical impacts
How common is whiplash?
Whiplash is a fairly common injury. In the UK, tens of thousands of people experience it each year, especially after car accidents.
Who is more likely to get whiplash?
Some factors that might increase the risk of getting whiplash include:
- Being involved in a rear-end car accident
- Having previous neck injuries
- Age, as older adults may be more prone to injuries
- Being a female, as studies suggest women might be more likely to suffer from whiplash
How can I treat whiplash?
Whiplash can usually be treated at home with:
- Resting the neck
- Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Gentle neck stretches when comfortable
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How to live with whiplash?
Living with whiplash may involve:
- Following a rehabilitation programme with exercises
- Making changes to your daily routine to avoid straining the neck
- Using support pillows while sleeping
Final thoughts
If you think you have whiplash, speak to your GP or healthcare provider about your symptoms. They can recommend the best ways to help you feel better.
