Whiplash Symptoms After an Accident
Whiplash is a neck injury, but its symptoms spread to your head, shoulders, arms, sleep, and concentration. Many people only connect them to the crash after several days.
We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.
Why this happens
The sudden back-and-forth motion of the head strains the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and upper back, and can irritate nearby nerves. Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, dizziness, shoulder and upper back pain, tingling in the arms or hands, fatigue, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, trouble concentrating, and disturbed sleep or mood. They often appear 24 to 72 hours after the crash, and sometimes later.
When this is a medical emergency
Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- A sudden, severe headache with vomiting, confusion, or drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness at any point after the crash
Commonly linked to these accident types
This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.
Whiplash Symptoms: find a doctor by city
Pick your city to see local care options, or contact us directly. We cover all of California.
Southern California
- Anaheim
- Bell Gardens
- Burbank
- Canoga Park
- Chula Vista
- Compton
- Costa Mesa
- Downey
- East LA Community
- East Los Angeles
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- Escondido
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Glendale
- Huntington Beach
- Inglewood
- Irvine
- Koreatown
- Lake Forest
- Lancaster
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Norwalk
- Oceanside
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- San Diego
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Simi Valley
- South Los Angeles
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Van Nuys
- Ventura
- Vista
- West Covina
Inland Empire
Bay Area
North Bay
Greater Sacramento
Central Coast
Care options for this symptom
Doctors and treatment
Get connected with a doctor now
A real person responds, at no cost to you, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Frequently asked questions
How soon do whiplash symptoms start?
Most people notice them within 24 to 72 hours, but some feel nothing for a week or more. Adrenaline hides pain at first, so feeling fine right after a crash does not rule out whiplash.
Which whiplash symptoms are most often missed?
Headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating, and poor sleep are the ones people most often blame on stress instead of the crash. If they started after the accident, mention them to the doctor.
Can I be seen if I have no insurance?
Yes. Many California providers see accident patients on a medical lien basis, so you are seen first and billing is worked out later. Terms vary by provider, so ask for them before you start.
Related guides
- Car AccidentsWhat to Do After a Car Accident With No InsuranceBeing in a car accident without insurance is stressful, but you still have options. Learn the steps to take immediately after a crash to protect your health and your rights in California.
- Medical CareDo I Need a Lawyer to See a Doctor After a Crash?No, you do not need a lawyer to get medical treatment after an accident. Many California clinics and providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- ResourcesFree Medical Help for Undocumented Victims in CaliforniaUndocumented accident victims in California have the right to emergency medical care regardless of immigration status. This guide covers free and low-cost options available to you.