1. Slideshow: Surprising Reasons You're in Pain
2. Take the Pain Quiz!
3. Slideshow: Good and Bad Exercises for Low Back Pain

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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See a doctor to diagnose whiplash. For minor injures or strains of the neck, without serious signs and symptoms as listed above, or without evidence of any neurologic problems, home care may be appropriate. If there is any question about the severity or treatment of a neck injury, see a doctor.

Home care for whiplash includes decreasing the painful symptoms of the strain. The symptoms of whiplash can be treated with the following home remedies:

• Cold packs or ice can be applied to the neck to minimize swelling and pain. Apply ice/cold to the neck area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every hour, as needed, for the first 48-72 hours after the injury.
• If there is no pre-existing condition or contraindication to their use, over-the-counter pain medications can be used (consult a doctor):
  • acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) o naprosyn (Alleve)
  • aspirin
• Limit motion of the head and neck until pain and muscle tightness are gone.
• Limit strenuous activities such as sports or heavy lifting.

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 >>

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