Whiplash neck sprain is common after a car crash. Symptoms usually ease and go without any specific treatment. It is best to keep the neck active and moving. If required, painkillers can ease pain.

What is a whiplash neck sprain? whiplash neck sprain occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards (or forwards then backwards) in a whip-like movement, or is suddenly forcibly rotated. This can cause some neck muscles and ligaments to stretch more than normal (sprain). It is common after a car crash or after a sporting injury or even with every day activities such as a jolting action to the neck after a fall. The most common cause is when you are hit from behind or from the side by another car.

How can we help you? We can advise on various treatments if the pain is not settling. These include traction, heat, manipulation, etc. However, what is often most helpful is the advice we can give on exercises to do at home. A common situation is for a doctor to advise on painkillers and gentle neck exercises. If symptoms do not begin to settle over a week or so, you may want to seek our advice. Physiotherapists can help with pain relief and for advice on specific neck exercises aswell as give advice regarding good posture and the best sleeping position to adopt. We have a range of pillows that we can recommend and if required can be loaned to try out at home.