Your neck will be sore and painful, especially when you try to move it. The pain will probably feel worse the day after the injury.

You may have some of the following symptoms within the first two days after your injury, or they might start a day or two afterwards:^[3][4]

• A painful and stiff neck

• Headaches

• Pain in your shoulder or between your shoulder blades

• Pain in your lower back

• Pain or numbness in your arm and hand

• Difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable

• Dizziness, ringing in your ears, or blurred vision. This should last for only a short time. Tell your doctor if these symptoms don't go away soon.

A severe whiplash injury can cause more serious problems that need hospital treatment. The spine or spinal cord is sometimes damaged, but this is not very common. You should go back to see your doctor:

• If the pain becomes worse

• If the pain lasts more than four to six weeks

• If you get any numbness, weakness, or pins and needles in your arm or hand.

Glossary

spinal cord

Your spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs down your backbone (spine). These nerves carry messages between your brain and the rest of your body. The bones (vertebrae) in your neck and back protect your spinal cord. If your spinal cord gets damaged, you may lose feeling in your legs or arms.

For more terms related to Whiplash

Citations