Going home after your visit
Neck sprain (whiplash) — advice for adults
How to ease your neck and help it heal after a soft-tissue injury.
You have a neck sprain (sometimes called whiplash) — the muscles and ligaments of your neck are strained. No serious damage was found. It usually settles over a few weeks, and staying gently active helps it heal.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 now if any of these happen
These can mean pressure on the spinal cord and need an ambulance. Do not drive yourself.
- New weakness in your arms or legs, or trouble walking
- Numbness or tingling in both arms or both legs
- Problems controlling your bladder or bowels
- Numbness around your back passage or genitals
- Severe neck pain after a serious fall, road accident or blow to the head
CALL 999 Keep still and wait for the ambulance rather than moving the neck.
Get same-day reassessment if any of these happen
Get same-day reassessment at the ED or the urgent service named above.
- Pins and needles or numbness in one arm that is not settling
- New tenderness in the middle of the back of your neck
- Pain that is severe, or is quickly getting worse rather than easing
- A headache that will not settle, or that followed a head injury
- Pain that is no better at all after a week of regular pain relief and gentle movement
Looking after your neck
- Keep your neck gently moving — do not use a collar, as resting it makes it stiffer.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you can take them.
- A warm pad or heat can ease tight muscles.
- Keep up your normal daily activities and go to work if you can.
- Use a supportive pillow at night.
Getting better
- Do gentle neck movements often — look up and down, side to side, ear to shoulder.
- The pain and stiffness usually ease over days to a few weeks.
- If it is not improving after a few weeks, see your GP or a physiotherapist.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a severe breathing or circulation problem
ED / urgent service
A warning sign above that needs same-day reassessment
111
Urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, or you are unsure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team / GP
Use the number and follow-up plan in Your care details above