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Your neck will be sore and painful, especially when you try to move it. The pain will probably feel worse the day after the injury.

You may have some of the following symptoms within the first two days after your injury, or they might start a day or two afterward:^{1 2}

• A painful and stiff neck
• Headaches
• Pain in your shoulder or between your shoulder blades
• Pain in your lower back
• Pain or numbness in your arm and hand
• Dizziness, ringing in your ears or blurred vision. This should last for only a short time. Tell your doctor if these symptoms don't go away soon
• Difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable.

A severe whiplash injury can cause more serious problems that need treatment in a hospital. The spine or spinal cord is sometimes damaged, but this is not very common. You should go back to see your doctor:

• If the pain becomes worse
• If the pain lasts more than four to six weeks
• If you get any numbness, weakness or pins and needles in your arm or hand.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.