Whiplash

Whiplash literally means “a blow from a whip.” It refers to a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion of the head, which stretches the ligaments and muscles in the neck. This often occurs during a car accident. The abrupt movement and intense force cause the muscles to become overloaded.

Who is at risk of Whiplash?

Each year, between 15,000 and 35,000 people experience whiplash. The condition is more common in women than in men.

What are common neck complaints after whiplash?

The symptoms of whiplash vary from person to person. They can appear immediately after the accident, but in many cases, complaints become noticeable only a few days later. These are common symptoms associated with whiplash:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Pain in the shoulders or arms
• Concentration or memory problems
• Fatigue or sleep disturbances

What causes Whiplash?

Several factors can increase the risk of whiplash:

• Poorly adjusted headrest in the car
• Being in a small or lightweight vehicle
• Being hit from behind during a collision
• Older age, which increases vulnerability
• Poor physical condition

How to recover from a Whiplash?

Recovery from whiplash is usually favorable if handled correctly. The key is to avoid incorrect movements to prevent worsening or chronic pain. In the first few days, wearing a neck brace and taking pain medication like paracetamol is typically recommended.

After that, it’s important to resume gentle movement as soon as possible to avoid weakening the neck muscles. Painkillers can help with sleep and mobility, but should be taken at fixed times and gradually phased out. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping medication.

For extra support, wearing a neck brace can help stabilize the neck and reduce strain during recovery.