Emotional and psychologic factors can play a role in ongoing neck pain. More often the patient has developed fear avoidance behaviors. This means the fear of pain causes him or her to avoid certain movements or activities.

And research shows impaired movement can occur after neck injuries of this type. The muscles get out of balance so that some are contracting too much, others not enough, and some at the wrong time.

Find out if your doctor has a plan in mind for helping you manage your symptoms. If not, you may want to think about other types of treatment for chronic pain. This could include acupuncture, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. Activity and exercise are always advised in either the acute or chronic whiplash injury.