Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head — most commonly resulting from road traffic accidents, but also from falls, sports injuries, or impacts. This rapid motion stretches and strains the muscles, ligaments, joints, and sometimes nerves in the neck.
Typical symptoms include:
Symptoms often develop within 24–48 hours of injury but can persist for weeks or months in some cases. When pain and stiffness continue beyond the usual recovery period, this is referred to as chronic whiplash-associated disorder — often requiring specialist input to manage muscle spasm, nerve irritation, and central pain sensitisation.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, our consultants begin with a detailed history and physical examination, assessing the mechanism of injury, symptom onset, and affected regions.
We evaluate neck movement, muscle tightness, and neurological signs.
MRI scans may be used to rule out serious injury such as fractures, disc damage, or nerve compression.
Our physiotherapy and rehabilitation partners play a central role in recovery, focusing on:
Our pain psychology partners help manage stress, anxiety, and hypervigilance that often accompany chronic whiplash, using techniques such as mindfulness, CBT, and pacing.
This integrated, consultant-led approach ensures both the physical and psychological effects of whiplash are treated.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
