What is whiplash?

Whiplash is pain and stiffness in the neck after an injury that has caused the neck to move suddenly or beyond its normal range.

It occurs when the head is suddenly forced backward or forward and is then snapped in the other direction. This kind of motion most often happens to people in a car that is hit from behind. Less commonly, it might happen in a fall, a sports injury, or if you are roughly shaken. The motion causes stretching or tears (sprains) of muscles and ligaments in the neck, and it may damage the nerves. In rare cases, it may cause broken bones.

Symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck and sometimes in the muscles in your head, chest, shoulders, and arms. You also may have a headache, feel dizzy, and have pain in your back.

You may not have any symptoms until the day after your injury. Or your symptoms may go away but then return a few days later.

You may have a more serious injury if you have:

• Severe pain in your neck.
• Pain down one or both arms.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, chest, or legs.
• Weakness in your arms, hands, or legs.
• Inability to move your head.

Your doctor will ask questions about your neck injury and past health. Your head and neck will be carefully checked. You may need X-rays to make sure there are no broken bones in your neck. You may also need an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan to look for other injuries.

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Try heat or ice, whichever feels better. Apply it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat or ice and your child's skin. You might also try switching between heat and ice.
• Help your child to not do anything that makes the pain worse. Have them take it easy for a couple of days. Your child can do usual activities if the activities don't hurt their neck or put it at risk for more stress or injury. Make sure that your child avoids lifting, sports, or other activities that might strain the neck.
• Have your child try sleeping on a special neck pillow. Place it under the neck, not under the head. Placing a tightly rolled-up towel under the neck while your child sleeps will also work. If your child uses a neck pillow or rolled towel, do not let them use another pillow at the same time.
• When your child's neck pain is gone, have them do exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck and back. Your doctor or physical therapist can tell you which exercises are best.