What should I do if I think I have whiplash?

Following a car accident or some other injury that could cause whiplash, if you feel neck pain, you should be checked by your doctor, in order to rule out anything more serious. Whiplash can appear up to a couple of weeks following the initial injury. Symptoms of whiplash include pain in the neck, back, shoulders, or arm. You could feel dizzy, fatigued, and have trouble with your memory.

If you do have whiplash, your doctor might recommend applying ice off and on for the first 24 hours following the accident. You will be encouraged to move your neck gently, perhaps doing some prescribed exercises. You may also be given some medications to relieve the pain or relax the muscles.