A shunt at a roundabout, a fall from a bike or a heavy tackle can leave you with a sore, stiff neck that often feels worse the next morning than it did on the day. That’s whiplash. It can be painful and worrying, but most people recover well, and staying gently active tends to help more than resting it.
Does this sound familiar?
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse a day or two after the accident
- Pain turning your head or looking up and down
- Headaches, often starting at the base of the skull
- Pain and tightness spreading into the shoulders, upper back or arms
- Feeling tired, finding it hard to concentrate or sleeping badly while it’s sore
- Feeling anxious about driving or moving your neck
What's usually going on
Whiplash is a sprain of the soft tissues in the neck, caused by the head being thrown forwards and backwards suddenly. The muscles, ligaments and joints are strained rather than damaged in a way that shows up on a scan, which is why X-rays are usually normal and most people don’t need one.
Most people improve steadily over the first few weeks, and NHS guidance says whiplash usually gets better within two to three months. For some it takes longer, and pain, stiffness and worry about moving can feed into each other. Early advice and a gradual return to normal movement are aimed at stopping that cycle before it gets going.
What can help
- Keeping moving. Gentle, regular neck movement and carrying on with normal activities as much as you can. NHS advice is not to wear a neck collar or brace.
- Simple pain relief, as advised by your pharmacist or GP, so that you can keep moving.
- A graded exercise programme to restore movement, strength and confidence. This is the main focus of physiotherapy for whiplash.
- Hands-on treatment, such as mobilisation and soft tissue work, alongside the exercises to ease pain and stiffness.
- Help getting back to driving, work and sport, including what to do if certain movements or situations make you anxious.
Your first appointment
Whiplash is treated here by our chartered physiotherapists. Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes. We’ll ask about the accident, your symptoms and how they’ve changed since, then check your neck movement, strength and nerves, and look for anything that needs a doctor’s opinion first. If we think you need an X-ray or a medical review, we’ll tell you and help you arrange it.
You’ll leave knowing what’s going on, what’s safe to do and what to expect over the coming weeks, with exercises to start straight away. Some people only need one or two appointments for reassurance and a plan. Others find regular sessions over a few weeks helpful.
When to go to A&E or see a doctor first
Go to A&E or call 999 if, after an accident, you have:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
- Severe neck pain, or pain when pressing on the bones at the back of your neck
- Difficulty turning your head to either side
- Problems with balance, walking, swallowing, speech or vision
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- A severe headache, or you were knocked out or confused after the accident
It’s also worth being checked by a doctor before starting treatment if you’re over 65 or the accident was at high speed. See your GP if your pain is getting worse rather than better after a few weeks, or if dizziness, nausea or ringing in your ears isn’t settling.
Prices and insurance
- Initial assessment and treatment (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Many of our clinicians are recognised by AXA, Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by clinician, so ask us when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Questions we’re often asked about whiplash.
- Do I need an X-ray?
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Most people with whiplash don’t. X-rays are for when there’s a chance of a fracture, for example after a high-speed accident, if you’re older, or if you have any of the warning signs above. If we think you need one, we’ll tell you before starting treatment.
- Should I wear a neck collar?
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No. NHS advice is not to wear a neck collar or brace for whiplash. Keeping your neck gently moving is better.
- How long does whiplash take to get better?
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Most people improve over a few weeks, and NHS guidance says whiplash usually gets better within two to three months. Some people take longer, and that’s when a structured exercise programme is most useful.
- When can I drive again?
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When you can comfortably turn your head far enough to check your mirrors and blind spots, and you’re not taking anything that makes you drowsy. If you’re unsure, check with your GP.
- Can I still work and exercise?
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Usually, yes, with some adjustments for the first week or two. Staying active is one of the most helpful things you can do, and we’ll help you work out what’s sensible for your job and your sport.
- Do I need a GP referral?
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No, you can book directly. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check whether your insurer needs a GP referral first.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
If your neck is still sore or stiff a week or two after an accident, or you’d like a plan for getting back to normal, our physiotherapists can help. Book online or call us on 01444 817851.
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