Updated October 08, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Have you ever experienced a headache immediately after or days following a car crash? Do you remember feeling the force of the crash, as your neck flexed forward or extended back rapidly? Well, if so, you probably suffered from a post-whiplash injury headache.

Let's review the basics of what this headache is and how to treat it. But first, what is whiplash?

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash commonly occurs during a car accident when there is a sudden and intense accelerating and/or decelerating motion of the neck causing it to flex and/or extend rapidly.

Whiplash causes a strain or sprain of the neck muscles and/or ligaments, but it can also affect the vertebrae (7 bones in the neck), discs (cushion between the vertebrae), or nerves in the neck. Symptoms such as neck and head pain may occur right after the injury or days later. Other symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling sensations (paresthesias)
• Limited neck range of motion of the neck
• Neck stiffness
• Dizziness
• Pain that extends into the shoulders and back
• Cognitive impairment like memory difficulties
• Fatigue
• Sleep Disturbances

Diagnosis

According to the classification criteria of the second edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorder (ICHD-II), in order to be diagnosed with a whiplash headache, you must have experienced a form of whiplash injury AND developed the headache within seven days after that  injury. If your injury persists for more than 3 months after the whiplash injury, then it is termed a "chronic post-whiplash injury headache."

Your doctor will  likely make the diagnosis based on your history and physical examination.

Sometimes, she might order an x-ray of your neck to check for a fracture or a MRI to more closely evaluate the injury, especially if you are having neurological symptoms like numbness. Most of the time though, whiplash and its symptoms, like headache, are easily diagnosed. In fact, many individuals do not seek their doctor's advice and get better on their own. That being said, if you have any concerns or have any warning signs like the ones below in "When Should I See My Doctor," then please be proactive and see your healthcare provider.

Treatment

Fortunately, symptoms from a whiplash injury usually resolve within 2-3 weeks. Therapy options during this time period include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve)
• Muscle Relaxants like Flexeril (Cyclobenzaprine)
• Stretching
• Maintaining good posture (i.e. sitting up straight with your shoulders back)
• Avoid carrying bags on your shoulders
• Good sleep position (i.e. sleeping on your back with a pillow under your thighs)

If your symptoms do not improve with these conservative measures, then your doctor may recommend physical therapy and/or stronger pain medications. Cervical neck collars are typically NOT recommended, especially for long periods of time, as they can lead to neck muscle weakness.

When Should I See a Doctor?

• If your symptoms are worsening or persisting for more then 2-3 weeks
• Your are experiencing numbness and/or muscle weakness in your arms and/or legs
• You symptoms are severe enough that they are interfering with your daily functioning
• Of course, if you have ANY concerns, please see your healthcare provider for further advice.

Take Home Message

Whiplash commonly causes a headache, as well as other symptoms, like neck stiffness, fatigue, and shoulder/neck/back discomfort. Talk with your doctor if you experience whiplash and see what she recommends for your comfort.

 

<sub>Sources

Anderson BC, Isaac Z, Devine J. Treatment of neck pain. In: UpToDate, Basow DS (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2013. Accessed July 2014.

Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. "The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 2nd Edition". Cephalalgia 2004;24 Suppl 1:9-160.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/whiplash/whiplash.htm. Accessed July 2014.

Patient information: Whiplash (The Basics). In: UpToDate, Basow DS (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA, 2013. Accessed July 2014.</sub>
 

DISCLAIMER: The information in this site is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.