Neck & Shoulder

What It Is

Line drawing of the head and neck bending forward and then back, with arcs tracing each movement and the muscles at the front and back of the neck shown. — Whiplash pushes the neck through this back-and-forth movement far faster than the muscles can control.

Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by sudden movement of the head – forwards, backwards or sideways – which stretches the soft tissues of the neck (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). It most often happens in road traffic accidents, but also after slips, falls and sports injuries (NHS, 2026). "Whiplash associated disorder" (WAD) is the term used for the range of symptoms that can follow, such as neck pain and stiffness, headaches, and pain and muscle spasms in the shoulders and arms (NHS, 2026).

Whiplash isn't a life-threatening injury, but it can lead to a long period of pain and disability. Whiplash usually gets better within 2 to 3 months, but some people have symptoms for longer (NHS, 2026); research suggests about half of people with WAD do not fully recover (Dickson et al., 2021).

A typical cause is a car accident where a stationary car is hit from behind. The impact pushes the body forward with the seat while the head and neck are thrown backwards, and then forwards.

It is called whiplash associated disorder because often it is not just the neck that is affected. Pain can also be felt in the shoulders, upper back and arms (NHS, 2026; Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). It can take several hours for symptoms to start (NHS, 2026).

Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Anatomy

Inside the spinal column there is a tube for the spinal cord. This thick bundle of nerves starts at the base of the brain and relays information between the brain and the body. Between the vertebrae are the discs. Each disc is attached to the bottom of the vertebra above it and the top of the one below. Muscles and strong ligaments hold the column together. All of these structures work together to surround, protect and support the spinal cord.

Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.

Treatment

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders

Active exercise and education are now the focus of physiotherapy for whiplash (Dickson et al., 2021). I can help with gentle hands-on work, a graded neck exercise programme and advice on staying active. See the My Approach tab for how I work.

1. Range of Movement Exercises

Gentle neck exercises, such as slowly turning the head as far as is comfortable, done little and often, help reduce stiffness. They may be uncomfortable but should not significantly increase your symptoms (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).

2. Physical Therapy

If your symptoms are not getting better, your family doctor or nurse practitioner may refer you to a physiotherapist (NHS, 2026). Physiotherapy for whiplash now focuses on active exercise and education (Dickson et al., 2021).

3. Ice and Heat

You can use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day (NHS, 2023). Do not use heat if you have reduced or altered feeling in the skin (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). Always be careful with ice and heat, as you may not realise you are burning your skin.

4. Keep Up Your Normal Activities

Try to continue your everyday activities – it might hurt a little, but it will speed up your recovery. Do not rest your neck for long periods (NHS, 2026). If things do not improve, make sure you get medical advice.

5. Reduce Stress

If your neck pain has become long-lasting, look at other factors in your life that may be contributing. Psychological factors play a part in long-lasting WAD (Dickson et al., 2021), and relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises or gentle walking can help reduce muscle tension (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026). Your family doctor or nurse practitioner may refer you for psychological support or to a pain specialist (NHS, 2026). Do not ignore underlying stress, distress, emotional problems, anger, depression or past or present psychological trauma.

Tips

Do not use a neck brace or collar to support your neck – this does not help (NHS, 2026). You need to keep the neck moving.
Stay at work and get back to your normal daily routine as soon as you can – normal activity helps recovery (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).
You may return to driving when you can turn your head and look over both shoulders comfortably and safely (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026).

Treatment

My Approach

Line drawing of the side of the head and neck, showing the neck muscles running from the skull and jaw down to the collarbone and the top of the shoulder. — These are the neck muscles that tend to tighten and guard after an accident, and where much of the hands-on work goes.

After whiplash, the neck muscles tighten up to protect it. My aim is to ease that, keep your neck moving, and rebuild the strength and confidence to get back to your normal routine.

Which Path Applies

If it's mild, with neck pain, stiffness or headaches but no weakness, numbness or other nerve signs, I can treat it directly
If you have weakness, numbness or pins and needles that are getting worse, or a possible fracture or head injury, see a doctor first (see When to Get Urgent Help); once you've been checked, I support their plan
After surgery, or a concussion that needed hospital care, I need your medical team's okay before hands-on treatment

I start by checking that hands-on work is right for you yet, then assessing how your neck and upper back move, with a nerve screen of feeling, reflexes and strength in your arms.

Early On

Gentle work for the neck, shoulders, upper back and jaw, with your head well supported
Warm or cool applications in the clinic, and I'll show you how to use ice and heat safely at home
Breathing and relaxation work to calm tense muscles
Gentle neck movement, little and often, up to the point of discomfort

As It Settles

Trigger point and myofascial work for the neck, upper back and base of the skull
Gentle, low-velocity joint mobilisation for stiff areas, never quick thrusts
A small "yes" nod lying down, held up to ten seconds, building to strength work for the neck, shoulder blades and upper back
Balance and eye-and-neck coordination work if dizziness is part of it
Advice on staying active and getting back to work

If your neck has become very sensitive, I keep pressure light and build up slowly. I keep records from your first visit, which are often needed for insurance, and share them only with your written permission.

What to Expect

Typical Course

Typical course: If it's mild, visits are usually shorter and once or twice a week at first, then weekly, with a reassessment at about 4 to 6 weeks, then less often; most people are better within 2 to 3 months, though some have symptoms for longer. If you needed medical care first, visits follow your medical team's plan and recovery often takes longer.

What I Focus On

Safety Screening

Gentle Hands-On Care

Deep Neck Strength

Staying Active

Clear Records

Please read

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Urgent Help

Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if, after a neck injury, you have difficulty walking or coordinating movement, loss of feeling or weakness in your arms or legs, sudden or worsening severe headaches, tingling or pins and needles on one or both sides of your body, or a sudden "electric shock" feeling in your neck and back (Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, 2026; NHS, 2026). Do not drive or cycle until you have been checked (NHS, 2026).
See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if your symptoms have not improved after 1 week, or if you are worried about the pain (NHS, 2026).

Sources

References

NHS (2026) Whiplash. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whiplash/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (2026) Whiplash. Available at: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/media/b3ygh1f0/bh1165u-whiplash-v1-feb-2026.pdf (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
Dickson, C., de Zoete, R.M.J. and Stanton, T.R. (2021) 'From where we've come to where we need to go: physiotherapy management of chronic whiplash-associated disorder', Frontiers in Pain Research, 2, 795369. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2021.795369
NHS (2023) Neck pain. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/neck-pain-and-stiff-neck/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooWhiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)

What It Is

Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders

1. Range of Movement Exercises

2. Physical Therapy

3. Ice and Heat

4. Keep Up Your Normal Activities

5. Reduce Stress

Tips

My Approach

Which Path Applies

Early On

As It Settles

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Urgent Help

References

Related Conditions

Book a session

Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooWhiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)

What It Is

Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Anatomy

Self-Care & Treatment

How to Treat Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders

1. Range of Movement Exercises

2. Physical Therapy

3. Ice and Heat

4. Keep Up Your Normal Activities

5. Reduce Stress

Tips

My Approach

Which Path Applies

Early On

As It Settles

Typical Course

When to See a Doctor First

When to Get Urgent Help

References

Related Conditions

Wry Neck

Headaches

Hyperkyphosis

Anterior Scalene Syndrome

Book a session