Whiplash?
Whiplash symptoms may occur immediately or minutes to hours after the initial injury. The best time to call your doctor is immediately after the injury. The sooner after the injury that symptoms develop, the greater the chance of serious neck damage. Always consult a physician immediately after an accident or injury.
Whiplash Symptoms
These signs and symptoms may occur immediately or minutes to hours after the initial injury. The sooner after the injury that symptoms develop, the greater the chance of serious damage.
 Neck pain
Neck swelling
Tenderness along the back of your neck
Muscle spasms (in the side or back of your neck)
Difficulty moving your neck around
Headache
Pain shooting from your neck into either shoulder or arm.
When to Seek Medical Care
The best time to call your doctor is immediately after the injury. If you cannot determine whether an emergency department visit is needed for your symptoms, then contact your doctor and ask for advice. If your doctor is unavailable at the time of your injury, then you should call 911 for transport to the emergency department.
The risks associated with a possible neck injury are far too great to attempt to diagnose and treat yourself. You should see a doctor and have your neck braced to keep your head from moving during transport.
Depending on the severity of your car accident, emergency medical personnel may take you to an emergency department immediately. In this case, a cervical collar will be placed around your neck, and your body will be strapped to a long, firm board to prevent any movements until a doctor sees you.
With less severe car accidents, sports injuries, or other accidental injuries, emergency medical services may or may not be involved in your prehospital care. You should call 911 emergency medical services if you develop any of the following
symptoms shortly after your injury:
Neck pain
Pain in either or both arms
Shoulder pain
Headache
Dizziness
Weakness or loss of function
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