Condition
Whiplash: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to whiplash — what it is, how it is treated, and what recovery looks like.
- Neck
Quick answer
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, commonly from car accidents. Most people recover within a few weeks to months with early movement, exercise and manual therapy.
Key facts
- Whiplash most often follows a rear-end car collision.
- Early gentle movement aids recovery more than a collar or rest.
- Most people recover, though some symptoms can persist and need support.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is a strain of the neck's soft tissues from a rapid whip-like movement of the head, typically in a collision or sudden impact.
The sudden movement stretches the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck. Symptoms may appear immediately or over the following day or two.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Common symptoms are neck pain and stiffness, headache and reduced neck movement, sometimes with shoulder or upper-back pain.
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced range of movement
- Headaches, often from the base of the skull
- Shoulder, upper-back or arm discomfort
- Occasional dizziness or fatigue
How is whiplash treated?
Whiplash is treated with early gentle movement, exercise and manual therapy, rather than prolonged rest or a collar.
Evidence favours keeping the neck moving within comfort and gradually returning to normal activity. A structured programme supports recovery and reduces the chance of lingering symptoms.
At Postura Wellness, care for whiplash is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Seek urgent medical assessment after a significant impact, or for severe neck pain, arm or leg weakness, numbness, or problems with speech, vision or coordination.
Get a clear plan for your whiplash
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Neck Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Back Pain — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Know Your Back — North American Spine Society
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases