Quick answer: Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called a neck sprain or strain. MedlinePlus says car accidents are a common cause of neck pain, that treatment depends on the cause, and that you rarely need surgery. Some people feel fine at the scene and notice neck stiffness, soreness or headaches a day or more later. Severe pain, numbness, weakness or any head injury needs emergency care first.
What is whiplash?
MedlinePlus, the health site of the National Library of Medicine, calls whiplash “a soft tissue injury to the neck” that “is also called neck sprain or strain.” The problem is in the muscles, tendons and ligaments rather than a broken bone. The name comes from the way the head can snap back and forth in a sudden stop or a hit from behind.
Not every sore neck after a wreck is whiplash. MedlinePlus notes that the neck is made of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves, and any of them can cause problems. An exam sorts out where the pain is coming from.
What else causes neck pain?
MedlinePlus says neck pain is very common, and that muscle strain or tension often causes it. The problem is usually overuse, such as sitting at a computer for too long, sleeping in an awkward position, or overdoing it during exercise. Falls or accidents, including car accidents, are another common cause. Pain can also come from the shoulder, jaw, head or upper arms.
That matters after a wreck because an old desk-job ache and a new crash injury can feel alike. Tell your provider about any neck or back problems you had before the crash, so the exam can separate what is new from what was already there.
Why can symptoms show up later?
Right after a crash, stress and adrenaline can mask pain. Soft tissue soreness also tends to build as swelling and muscle guarding set in. That is why some people feel fine at the scene and wake up stiff the next morning.
Which symptoms do people notice?
| Symptom | What people describe |
|---|---|
| Neck stiffness | Trouble turning the head, especially to check a blind spot |
| Neck pain | A dull ache or sharp pain with movement |
| Headaches | Often starting at the base of the skull |
| Shoulder or upper back pain | Tightness between the shoulder blades |
| Tingling | Pins and needles in the arms or hands |
Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms can point to a nerve problem. Get checked promptly, and go to the emergency room if it is getting worse.
When is neck pain after a crash an emergency?
Get emergency care for severe neck pain, a head injury, confusion, repeated vomiting, numbness or weakness, trouble walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These are not chiropractic problems to wait on.
How is whiplash treated?
MedlinePlus says treatment depends on the cause, and may include ice, pain relievers, physical therapy or a cervical collar. It adds: “You rarely need surgery.”
Chiropractic care is another option people use for neck pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that spinal manipulation can be helpful for acute neck pain, while noting that the evidence is limited. NCCIH also says mild, temporary side effects such as increased pain, stiffness or headache are common after spinal manipulation, and that most go away within 24 hours. Tell your provider about your health history and the details of the crash before any adjustment.
What happens at a chiropractic visit after a crash?
At Dr. Ali Chiropractic and Wellness Center in McKinney, a first visit starts with a conversation about the crash and how you feel now. Dr. Ali examines you and explains what he found in plain words. Care is personalized with chiropractic adjustments and the Zone Technique. Read about car accident injury care and neck and back pain care.
What questions can you ask at your visit?
- Where do you think the pain is coming from?
- What should I avoid for now, and for how long?
- Which symptoms mean I should call you or go to the emergency room?
- How will we know if things are improving?
- What can I do at home between visits?
Writing the answers down makes it easier to follow the plan and to share it with your insurance company if it asks for records.
What should you do next?
- Get emergency care first for any danger sign
- Write down when each symptom started
- Keep your crash and claim details together; see what to do after a car accident in Texas
- Call (214) 945-3911 or contact the office to set up a visit
