Viewer Comments: Whiplash - CausesViewer Comments & ReviewsWhiplash - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your whiplash and how was it treated?
Comment from: Ouch, 35-44 Female
Published: February 07
I was literally smacked in the back of the head by a wave while bush camping in Tasmania. It hurt but I didn't think much about it until the pain grew and continued until I couldn't think of much else. Three weeks later I was diagnosed with whiplash after a cat scan ruled out skeletal damage. I have just been advised to go about things normally. Let me tell, I wish I could. Previously my only experience with whiplash was seeing people in and out of court wearing braces. I was dubious but now... not so much.
Published: January 21
I was turning a corner and my left front tire blew out. I overcompensated, my SUV rolled and landed on the passenger side in a ditch. I immediately felt neck pain. After the jaws of life extracted me from the vehicle I was placed in a cervical collar and placed on a stretcher and taken to the ER. After a quick assessment that included history, palpation and neck movements I was given ibuprofen. I was then taken to have a cervical X-ray. I was then sent home. Follow up with my primary physician two days later resulted in acetaminophen with codeine and Flexeril prescriptions. I have also seen a chiropractor. Two months later I still have neck pain, muscle spasms, and a shooting pain that radiates along my spine to between my scapulae. Related Reading: ibuprofen | acetaminophen
Comment from: gc79, 25-34 Male (Patient)
Published: January 03
Whiplash was caused when I fell backwards hitting the back of head against corner of brick ledge.
Comment from: joanne77, 25-34 Female (Patient)
Published: October 06
I have severe whiplash and inflamed muscles in shoulder back and neck. I was in a motor vehicle accident. Impact was on my side of the vehicle. I was the driver. Pains were in my neck shoulder, and down my arm. When I went to ER, I had a neck brace on and I was strapped to a board. They removed all the pieces without x-rays, and put me on painkillers. Two days later, pains were so bad and the medicine wasn't working. The pain was going further on my body back shoulder and arms. I went back to ER where they did X-rays and MRI as well. Now, I'm on Tylenol III and I'm still in so much pain.
Comment from: HRPotter, 65-74 Male (Patient)
Published: September 29
My whiplash was caused by an accidental fall at home.I am taking oral Methocarbamol. Related Reading: Methocarbamol
Comment from: Erika, 19-24 Female (Patient)
Published: August 09
I was diagnosed with whiplash after popping my neck. After popping my neck, I immediately was "attacked" by a migraine and horrible pain in my neck. Following the migraine came the nausea and vomiting. The next day I had short bouts of tinnitus and tingling in my face with the continuation of the neck pain and now bruising. I was diagnosed the second with whiplash and was prescribed a soft c-collar to assist with my neck stiffness and muscle relaxer and pain medication. Related Reading: tinnitus
Comment from: Theresa H, 55-64 Female (Patient)
Published: January 18
My horse spun around rapidly and I flew off onto the ground. Suffered fractured ribs, clavicle, fingers but no one even thought of possible whiplash. I complained on 2 separate occasions about my shoulder pain; given Lidoderm patches and that was that. Today I finally went to a chiropractor and he explained with clarity the whiplash I had to have suffered. Now I know why the excruciating pain. Right now the only treatment has been electrical stimulation and cold compresses on the neck. Have to schedule an MRI and go from there.
Comment from: Jenrose24, 25-34 Female (Patient)
Published: December 22
I fell forward while snowboarding and my head whipped onto the ground I fell fast enough that I didn't have time to place my hands in front of me. My stomach hit first but my neck took the most of the collision. Thankfully I was wearing a helmet. This is the fourth time I've had whiplash, if I hadn't have had it in the past I would have gone to the doctors by now. My neck is extremely stiff. I will be resting as much as possible over the next week and using a hot tub and heating pad to help slowly stretch my neck back to normal. And some massage therapy as well. Must Read Articles Related to Whiplash
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain or muscle pull or even a muscle tear implies damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. Symptoms and signs include swelling, bruising, pain, and...learn more >>
Neck Strain
The portion of the spine contained within the neck is referred to as the cervical spine. That's the site for injuries known as neck strain. Symptoms include pai...learn more >>
Shoulder and Neck Pain
Shoulder and neck pain may be caused by bursitis, a pinched nerve, whiplash, tendinitis, a herniated disc, or a rotator cuff injury. Symptoms also include weakn...learn more >>
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Viewer Comments & ReviewsWhiplash - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe the symptoms related to your whiplash? Viewer Comments are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on eMedicineHealth. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. eMedicineHealth does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. |
Chronic Pain/Back Pain
Find tips and advances in treatment.
From WebMD
Pain Management Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies



If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

My whiplash was due to a car accident. I went to the hospital by ambulance. They did a CT scan prescribed me Motrin, Tylenol with codeine and followed up with my doctor a few days later. I am still being treated, the accident happened one week ago. I need to follow up with my doctor once a week. I have never experienced this before, and it is painful. I drive a school bus for a living, and don't know when I'll be able to go back to work. It is not something to kid around with.
Related Reading: codeine