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How long does it take to recover from whiplash?
How long does a whiplash injury last?
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Can a whiplash injury help with recovery?
How long does it take for whiplash symptoms to show up?
Should I take time off work if I have whiplash?
Whiplash most often happens after a traffic accident or a slip or fall. Common symptoms of whiplash include: neck pain neck stiffness and difficulty moving your head; headaches; pain and muscle spasms in the shoulders and arms; It can take several hours for the symptoms to start after you injure your neck. Things you can do to treat whiplash
- Neck Pain
an injury – for example, whiplash from a traffic accident or...
- Neck Pain
Oct 15, 2024 · Whiplash can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work to help recovery. How long you’re off will depend on the nature of your condition and your role at work. You do not need to be symptom free before you consider returning to work.
How long will it take to get better? Many people recover within a few days or weeks. For others, it may take several
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The majority of whiplash patients recover within 3 months. However, it is also possible for whiplash-related symptoms and disorders to become chronic. Risk factors that could indicate a longer recovery time from a whiplash injury include: Severe pain at time of injury.
- Overview
- What causes whiplash?
- Possible complications associated with whiplash
- What are the symptoms of whiplash?
- When to contact a doctor
- How is whiplash diagnosed?
- Treatment for whiplash
- Takeaway
Most people recover fully in 3 months after experiencing whiplash. During your recovery, medical treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Whiplash occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then forward suddenly with great force. This injury is most common following a rear-end auto collision. It can also result from physical abuse, sports injuries, or even amusement park rides.
Whiplash happens when the soft tissues (the muscles and ligaments) of your neck extend beyond their typical range of motion. Your symptoms might not appear for a while, so it’s important to pay attention to any physical changes for a few days following any crash or other injury event.
Whiplash is thought of as a relatively mild condition, but it can cause long-term pain and discomfort.
Whiplash occurs when the muscles in your neck suffer a strain because of a rapid movement backward and then forward. The sudden motion causes your neck’s tendons and ligaments to stretch and tear.
Some things that can cause whiplash include:
•car collisions
•physical abuse, such as being struck or shaken
•contact sports, such as football, boxing, and some martial arts
•horseback riding
Some people with whiplash experience chronic (long-term) pain or headaches for years after the event that caused the initial injury. Doctors may be able to trace this pain to damaged neck joints, discs, and ligaments. But chronic pain following a whiplash injury typically has no medical explanation.
Symptoms usually appear within 24 hours after the incident that caused the whiplash. Sometimes, symptoms may develop after a few days. They can last for several weeks.
Common symptoms include:
•neck pain and stiffness
•headaches, specifically at the base of the skull
•dizziness
•blurred vision
Most mild to moderate cases of whiplash can be treated at home using over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, ice, and other remedies.
You should see a doctor after an auto crash or other injury event, or if you have the following symptoms:
•pain or stiffness in the neck that goes away and then comes back
•severe neck pain
•pain, numbness, or tingling in your shoulders, arms, or legs
•any issues with your bladder or bowels
Your doctor will normally ask you questions about your injury, such as:
•how it happened
•where you feel pain
•whether the pain is dull, shooting, or sharp
They may also do a physical exam to check your range of motion and look for areas of tenderness.
Your doctor might order imaging tests that will allow them to assess any damage or inflammation in the soft tissues, spinal cord, or nerves. They can also detect the presence of a brain injury. These imaging tests may include:
Medical treatment
Other treatments include: •prescription pain relievers for more severe injuries •muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms •applying ice or heat to the injured area
Recovery
Physical therapy plays an important role in recovery. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Additionally, recovery may include: •exercises to build strength and flexibility in your neck •practicing good posture •learning relaxation techniques to keep your neck muscles from straining and to help with recovery You might also be given a foam collar to keep your neck stable. Collars should not be worn for more than 3 hours at a time. They should only be used the first couple of days after your injury. However, the use of collars has fallen out of favor for many doctors. It’s believed that using it more than the minimum time may slow healing. Read more: No exercises needed to fix your posture.
Alternative aftercare
You may also want to try alternative remedies to treat pain. Some include: •chiropractic care •massage, which may relieve some of the tension in the neck muscles •electrical nerve stimulation, which involves a gentle electric current that may help reduce neck pain •acupuncture, though no studies confirm acupuncture’s ability to ease neck pain
Very few people have any long-term complications from whiplash. Usually, recovery time is anywhere from a few days to several weeks. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most people recover fully within 3 months.
Date issued: September 2019. For review: September 2021. Ref: Ref: B-249/physy/AM/whiplash a guide to help you recover v3. PDF: Whiplash [pdf] 2MB. What is Whiplash? Whiplash is a common name for neck injury caused by a trauma such as a car accident. It can also occur after a sports injury, fall or direct blow to the head.
Aug 29, 2022 · How long does whiplash last? Most people with whiplash, especially lower grades, can recover within days or a few weeks. More severe whiplash can take several weeks or even months to heal. Whiplash lasts longest when complications lead to chronic pain or inflammation in and around your spine.
