When one car hits another, each person’s body is thrown toward the impact, then away from it. This is whiplash. Even at slow speeds, the force puts stress and strain on the spine. This is especially true for the neck. The weight of the head stretches and damages muscles and ligaments. It may pull spinal bones out of line. The bones that protect your spinal cord (vertebrae) can be forced out of position. Disks are the spine's shock absorbers. They can bulge, rupture, or wear down. Nerves can get pinched or inflamed. And muscles and ligaments can be stretched or torn.
Symptoms of whiplash
A wide array of symptoms can follow an auto accident. Symptoms may appear right away. Or they may be delayed for several days. Symptoms may include:
-
Pain, especially in your neck, shoulder, arm, or lower back
-
Arm or leg numbness
-
Stiffness
-
Headache
-
Dizziness
Treating whiplash
You may be asked to do one or more of the following:
-
Ice the injured area for 24 to 48 hours. Do this for
20 minutes. Repeat5 times a day. -
After 48 hours, put moist heat on the injured area for
20 minutes. Repeat5 times a day. -
Wear a cervical (neck) collar for as long as recommended.
-
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants as directed by your healthcare provider.
-
Call your healthcare provider if you have numbness or weakness in your limbs. This can be a sign of nerve injury.
Online Medical Reviewer: Anne Fetterman RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Mahammad Juber MD
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Rib Contusion or Minor Fracture
A rib fracture (bone break) may cause the same symptoms as a rib contusion. Treatment for both is the same.
Open Finger Fracture
You have a broken finger (fracture) with a nearby cut, puncture, or deep scrape. This causes local pain, swelling, and bruising. Because of the open injury, you are at risk for infection in the skin and bone. You will take antibiotics to lower the risk for infection.
Knee Sprain
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments or capsule that holds a joint together. Here's how to care for yourself at home.
Understanding a Clavicle Fracture
A fracture of the clavicle is a broken collarbone. Clavicle fractures occur most often along the middle of the bone. Depending on how badly the bone is broken, healing may take a few months or longer.