Did you know that rear-end car crashes are the number one cause of whiplash injuries? This type of neck injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, stretching the neck muscles and ligaments.
Whiplash usually causes neck pain and stiffness but can also cause neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness and pinched nerves. Left untreated, whiplash may lead to chronic pain and neurological problems.
Read on to learn more about neck pain and neurological symptoms related to a whiplash injury.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth movement, similar to the cracking of a whip.
“Whiplash occurs when the head is forced to move at a very high speed or force, which puts a significant strain on the muscles that attach from the cervical spine (the neck) to the head,” said Naveed Shan, DPT, a dual board certified doctor of physical therapy who specializes in concussion, orthopedics and vestibular therapy with Banner – University Medicine.
The severity can range from a slight strain on the muscles that can cause mild soreness for one or two weeks to severe damage to important bones and ligaments or blood flow to the brain.
The most common causes of whiplash are motor vehicle accidents, slips, falls or contact sports like football, gymnastics, snowboarding and boxing. Whiplash can also occur if you are punched or shaken. It’s one of the injuries seen in shaken baby syndrome.
Common signs and symptoms of whiplash
Neck pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of whiplash.
“The days following the injury, it’s common to have sore muscles from the base of your skull to your upper back,” Shan said.
This soreness might limit your range of motion, making it difficult to move your head without experiencing pain. The duration can vary from several days to months, depending on the severity of the injury.
Other symptoms may include headaches, dizziness and tiredness after a whiplash injury.
Can whiplash cause neurological problems?
“Because the neck supports and protects our two most vital organs (the brain and spinal cord), it’s easy to see why whiplash can cause neurological side effects,” Shan said.
Neurological side effects can show up in surprising ways, including:
- Herniated disc: The impact can lead to a herniated disc in the cervical spine, pressing on nerves and causing pain or numbness.
- Pinched nerve: Whiplash can compress the nerves in the neck, leading to symptoms like tingling or weakness in the arms.
- Spinal injury: Severe cases can cause damage to the spinal cord, affecting movement and bodily functions.
- Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): Rapid movement of the head can cause the brain to collide with the skull, even when there is no actual blow to the head.
“This type of injury is known as a countercoup, when the head is rapidly accelerated and decelerated, resulting in the brain colliding within the skull which causes an mTBI,” Shan said. - Stroke or even death: Injury to the arteries that supply blood to the brain can be very dangerous and lead to stroke and death.
Neurological symptoms to watch out for
If you believe you or someone you know has whiplash, be aware of these neurological symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition:
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Vertigo
- Balance issues, like problems standing or walking steadily
- Tingling or numbness in your arms or shoulders
- Problems with speaking, memory or concentration
What happens if whiplash goes untreated?
While many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks, some experience lasting effects, especially if untreated or severe. These may include the following chronic conditions, symptoms and neurological issues:
- Chronic pain and stiffness: Lingering pain and reduced range of motion can continue long after the initial injury.
- Neurological symptoms: Memory problems, mood swings and even cognitive changes may remain if you have a concussion (which may occur with whiplash).
- Sleep disorders: Insomnia and poor sleep quality might continue if not managed properly.
- Mental health impacts: The pain and limitations from whiplash can contribute to long-term anxiety, depression and stress.
When should you seek medical help?
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to see your health care provider immediately or visit your nearest urgent care or emergency department. Timely and effective treatment can prevent long-term problems and ensure a full recovery.
A health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the event that caused your symptoms. They will assess your neck’s range of motion and areas of tenderness. They may use imaging tests like an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to rule out other nerve or brain-related issues if needed.
Treatment options for whiplash
Start treatment right after an accident, even if your symptoms are delayed due to adrenaline, to prevent side effects.
Your treatment will depend on the extent of your injury. However, the goal of whiplash treatment is to control pain, restore the range of motion in your neck and return you to daily activity. Your health care provider will work with you on creating a treatment plan.
For mild whiplash, your provider may recommend:
- Rest: Balance rest with gentle activities to avoid neck stiffness
- Heat and ice therapy: Use ice and a heating pad to reduce swelling and pain
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain.
For more severe cases of whiplash, your provider may recommend:
- Prescription pain relievers: This may include muscle relaxers and other medicines to manage intense pain.
- Physical therapy: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can restore range of motion and flexibility.
- Alternative therapies: Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care and other nontraditional therapies may help.
- Nerve pain medication or injections: These can block nerve signals to relieve chronic and severe pain.
Final thoughts
The body is complex and injuries like whiplash can have effects beyond what’s immediately seen. If you’re experiencing symptoms that go beyond typical neck pain, don’t ignore them. See your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist immediately to get relief and prevent long-term problems.
