Whiplash can be categorised as:
- acute whiplash – where there is sudden hyperextension, hyperflexion or rotation of the neck that causes neck pain and other symptoms
- chronic whiplash – where symptoms persist for more than six months after an acute whiplash injury and are characterised by a number of specific symptoms (see below)
Hyperextension and hyperflexion are where the tendons and ligaments of the neck are forcefully extended or flexed beyond their normal limits.
Following an accident, the symptoms of whiplash often take a while to develop. Any inflammation (swelling) and bruising that occurs in the neck muscles will not usually be evident at the time of the accident.
It may take 6–12 hours for the symptoms of whiplash to become apparent, and the neck pain and stiffness is often worse on the day after the injury. The pain may continue to worsen for several days afterwards.
The common symptoms of whiplash include:
- neck pain and stiffness
- neck swelling
- tenderness along the back of the neck
- reduced movement in the neck or loss of movement
- headaches
Other symptoms of whiplash can include:
- lower back pain
- pain, numbness or paraesthesia (pins and needles) in the arms and hands
- muscle spasms
- dizziness
- tiredness
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- blurred vision
- vertigo – the sensation that you are moving or spinning while standing still
- tinnitus – the perception of noise in one ear, both ears or inside the head
Following a whiplash injury, the symptoms of dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and problems with swallowing should only last a short while. Visit your GP if any of these persist.
Sometimes, whiplash can also cause:
- memory loss
- poor concentration
- irritability
Chronic whiplash
The symptoms that are associated with chronic (long-term) whiplash are:
- neck pain and stiffness
- persistent headache
- dizziness
- paraesthesia in the upper limbs (arms) and hands
- psychological and emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression
See Whiplash – Treatment for more information and advice about the treatments that are suggested for chronic whiplash.
Driving
Avoid driving if you have neck pain and stiffness that prevents you from turning your head quickly. See the Directgov website for the medical rules for drivers.
