Recovering from Whiplash? How Long Does Whiplash Last and What Helps

A common neck injury known as whiplash is brought on by a sudden movement of the head and neck, which frequently occurs in auto accidents. 

While most cases of whiplash heal within a few weeks or months, some can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications. 

If you’ve suffered a whiplash injury, understanding what to expect during recovery can help you seek proper treatment and potentially avoid lingering symptoms.

What Exactly is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck and head. This often occurs during rear-end collisions when your head is first thrown backward and then quickly forward. 

Although they can also occur from falls or contact sports, car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries.

The rapid motion strains the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your neck and upper back. Even though X-rays or MRIs may appear normal, this soft tissue damage can cause significant pain.

Common Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash symptoms arise from injury to the soft tissues of the neck, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, particularly in the area closest to the skull
• Pain or stiffness in the shoulders or upper back
• Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or dizziness
• Fatigue, trouble concentrating, memory problems
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands

Symptoms can range from gentle to severe depending on factors like the force of impact and direction of the head during motion. Pain and reduced mobility are often most noticeable within the first 2-3 days after injury, but other symptoms may take time to develop.

Seeking a Proper Whiplash Diagnosis

Since whiplash involves soft tissue damage, initial x-rays or MRIs may appear normal. However, a thorough medical evaluation can help diagnose whiplash by checking for:

• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Muscle spasms or tenderness in the neck and upper back
• Misaligned vertebrae suggesting ligament injury
• Concussion symptoms like headache or dizziness

Be sure to describe all your symptoms to help guide proper diagnostic testing and treatment. Mentioning any headache, cognitive troubles, or radiating pain can indicate additional injuries.

Typical Whiplash Recovery Timeline and Expectations

Most whiplash injuries heal within a few weeks up to 3 months. However, recovery time can vary substantially depending on factors like:

• Age
• Prior neck injuries
• Direction of head movement during injury
• Speed of collision
• Position and head restraints in vehicle
• Overall health and fitness level

With proper rest and care, most people see improvement within days to weeks after a whiplash injury. However, around 30% of whiplash patients still experience some neck pain and stiffness 6 months post-injury. A small percentage, estimated between 10-20%, go on to develop chronic neck pain lasting beyond 6 months.

Acute Stage (0-2 weeks)

• Most severe pain and stiffness
• Greatest reduction in neck mobility
• Pain medications and a neck brace may provide relief
• Apply ice to manage swelling and inflammation

Subacute Stage (2 weeks – 3 months)

• Gradually improving pain and range of motion
• Begin gentle neck exercises and stretches as directed by your doctor
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may relieve pain

Chronic Phase (Beyond 3 months)

• Pain, stiffness, or headache may still linger
• If symptoms persist, seek evaluation for chronic whiplash disorder
• Treatment shifts to managing long-term pain and reducing disability
• Physical therapy, massage, chiropractic work may provide relief

Staying active with gentle neck movement and exercises, along with medications as needed, helps most people fully recover over time. Call your doctor if any severe symptoms develop or pain is not improving within the first month.

Treatments to Help Manage Whiplash

Your doctor will likely recommend a variety of treatments to help you recover after whiplash:

• Rest and immobilization. Avoiding activities that strain the neck helps minimize pain and further injury in the early stages. Your doctor may prescribe a soft neck collar to support healing.
• Ice and heat. Icing the neck and upper back for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day can reduce inflammation and pain. After a few days, applying heat may relax muscles and increase blood flow.
• Medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin) can help in the short-term. Muscle relaxants or NSAIDs may also provide relief.
• Gentle neck exercises. Early range of motion exercises and stretches help prevent stiffness. Isometric exercises strengthen muscles without straining neck tissues.
• Physical therapy. Once pain has reduced, PT provides exercises to rebuild strength, flexibility, and function. Massage, traction, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may also help.
• Injections. If neck pain persists, steroid injections can reduce inflammation. In serious cases, nerve block injections can temporarily numb pain signals.
• Surgery. Only if injuries like herniated discs or compressed nerves are identified, which is very rare.

Start with more conservative at-home treatments first. Seek expert care if the pain is severe or lasts more than 6 weeks. Don’t try to “push through” intense neck pain as it can delay healing.

Tips to Help Prevent Whiplash Injury

While whiplash can happen unexpectedly, there are some preventative steps to potentially reduce injury:

• Adjust your car headrest to support the mid-point of your head and keep your head against the rest.
• Strengthen neck muscles through exercises that improve flexibility and range of motion.
• When possible, sit in the middle rear passenger seat, which has a lower risk of whiplash.
• Avoid contact sports like football, boxing, hockey, etc. If playing, strengthen neck muscles and reflexes.
• Maintain good posture and keep your head level with your torso when sitting for long periods. Don’t slouch or strain the neck.
• Children and older adults at greater risk should use caution during activities with head movement.
• During a collision, brace your neck and torso against the seat to minimize sudden head motions.

While you can take precautions, whiplash is often unavoidable in accidents. Seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor’s treatment plan to help ensure the fastest possible recovery.

Let a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You Recover Damages

If you suffered whiplash in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney to understand your right to financial compensation.

The experienced attorneys at Pasternack Injury Law Group have helped numerous whiplash victims recover rightful compensation so they can move forward after an accident. They handle all the legal work so you can focus on healing. 

Contact their office today or visit https://pasternackinjurylaw.com/  for a free consultation to get started pursuing the maximum settlement.