Whiplash after a collision, even a minor one
Whiplash describes a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, most often in a vehicle collision. Symptoms frequently arrive a day or two later, and the size of the dent on the car is a poor guide to how your neck feels. An examination establishes what was affected.
Who this page is for
Drivers, passengers and pedestrians with neck pain, stiffness or headache following a collision, including low-speed impacts.
Why people come in
These are reasons patients give for booking. They are not a diagnosis, and only an examination can tell you what is happening in your case.
- Neck stiffness or pain that appeared within days of the crash
- Headache starting at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back tightness
- Difficulty turning the head to reverse or change lane
How the evaluation works
We take a detailed collision history, examine neck movement and joint function, and screen neurologically. Findings are documented in your record from the first visit.
How we may approach care
Care is staged: early gentle work as tolerated, then progressive movement and strengthening. Nothing is forced through a painful range.
What a first visit may involve
Expect questions about the mechanism of the crash, an examination, and clear guidance on what to do over the following days.
Safety and when to seek other care
Severe neck pain after high-speed impact, midline tenderness, numbness or weakness in the arms, confusion, vomiting or worsening headache need emergency assessment before any manual care.
Questions patients ask
My symptoms started days later. Is that normal?
Delayed onset is commonly reported after collisions. It is worth being examined either way.
Do I need to be checked after a low-speed crash?
Vehicle damage is not a reliable indicator of injury. An examination gives you a baseline.
Where this care is offered
The clinical explanation above is the same at every clinic. Location links add only what is specific to that clinic.
Clinical review
Clinician review pending. This page has not yet been signed off by a named Inspine provider, and no reviewer is claimed until one confirms it. See our provider profiles.
Take the first step.
Call the clinic nearest you, or send a request and our team will follow up to agree a time.