Whiplash explained: proven treatments for neck injuries

How to understand and manage whiplash, a neck injury that has the potential to be life-altering.

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid forward and backward movement of the neck (or both). This sudden motion can damage the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the neck, leading to pain. In severe cases, whiplash can fracture the vertebrae in the neck, posing a risk of injury to the spinal cord and its network of nerves.

Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, but it can also happen from sports injuries, especially in rugby; falls, particularly in older people, due to weakened bones in the spine; or if something heavy falls on your head, says Stacey-Lee Alcock, an Emergency Care Practitioner at ER24 West Metro.

Symptoms of whiplash

Alcock explains that whiplash affects many parts of the body, including the spine, muscles, nerves, tendons, and discs between the vertebrae. As a result, people with whiplash can experience a variety of symptoms, depending on how serious the injury is, and which areas of the neck are damaged.

“Pain is one of the most common symptoms, along with decreased mobility and stiffness of the neck,” she says. “There may also be swelling in the neck (cervical spine) and muscle spasms in and around the neck. Headaches and dizziness or vertigo, nausea and difficulty swallowing (if the front of the neck is affected), are other possible symptoms.”

Immediate care for whiplash

When ER24 paramedics arrive on the scene, they will first identify possible neck injuries and then try to prevent the injury from worsening. “This includes immobilising the neck or the whole spine, because the cause of the injury may have damaged vertebra beyond those immediately affected,” says Alcock. “We do this by putting the patient on a spine board and strapping them down, while keeping them as comfortable as possible.”

Soft blocks are placed on both sides of the head to prevent movement. ER24 paramedics will manage pain, treat symptoms like nausea with medication, and monitor vital signs, adjusting for any imbalances.

If there are no paramedics nearby, you can help someone with whiplash or a possible neck injury by keeping their neck and back as still as possible. Try to get professional help right away.

Long-term effects of whiplash

Alcock says it's important to treat whiplash quickly to prevent long-term issues like chronic pain, stiffness, tinnitus, vertigo, muscle spasms, headaches, vision problems, and numbness, or pins and needles in the arms.

 “Young children are more at risk of serious injury because of their body structure,” she explains. “Their heads are larger and heavier compared to their necks than in adults, so a sudden or forceful movement puts more strain on their neck. Also, their necks are still developing, making them more vulnerable to injury, and often more severe injuries.”

Treatment for whiplash

The aim is to get the patient to hospital as soon as possible, where X-rays and other tests can confirm the injury and determine its severity. “Doctors will then prescribe treatment based on test results,” Alcock says.

Even mild whiplash should be checked and treated, she adds. Experts recommend using cold packs for the first 7-10 days to reduce swelling. After that, gentle heat can help improve blood flow and promote healing. Your doctor may also suggest painkillers and anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy can also be very helpful.

Can you prevent whiplash injuries?

Whiplash can happen from common events like minor car accidents, so it’s not always preventable. However, wearing a seatbelt can help reduce the risk.

Alcock says it’s also important to be aware of the risk when playing sports. “Wear protective headgear and avoid unnecessary risks,” she says. Finally, keep your spine, neck muscles and tendons strong and healthy with regular exercise.”

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