You were waiting at the lights on Waiyaki Way when a car hit you from behind. It didn't feel serious. You exchanged numbers and drove home. The next morning, your neck is stiff, turning your head hurts, and a headache sits at the back of your skull. This is a classic story of whiplash.

What is whiplash?

In a sudden jolt, your head snaps forward and back faster than your neck muscles can react. This strains the muscles, ligaments and small joints in your neck. Pain often shows up hours or even a day or two later, which is why many people don't connect it to the accident at first.

Common signs

Neck pain and stiffness, especially when turning your head
Headaches starting at the base of the skull
Pain spreading into the shoulders or upper back
Tiredness, poor sleep or trouble concentrating

See a doctor first if you have

Severe neck pain, or you hit your head
Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms
Dizziness, blurred vision or trouble swallowing

These need medical checks, and sometimes a scan, before physiotherapy.

What helps recovery

Most people with whiplash get better within weeks. Wearing a neck collar for days and keeping still usually makes the neck stiffer. Gentle, regular movement within comfort helps healing. Staying at work and doing your normal activities, with some changes, also helps.

How we treat whiplash at Katasi Physiotherapy

We check your neck carefully and safely. Then we use gentle hands-on treatment, massage for tight muscles, and simple exercises to get your neck turning again and build strength. If headaches are part of the picture, read Headaches That Start in Your Neck. Early treatment lowers the chance of pain that drags on for months.

Book in Westlands

Had a road accident and your neck isn't right? Visit Katasi Physiotherapy at Kerai Office, Mogotio Road off Muthithi Road, Westlands. Call or WhatsApp 0705 717 353 to book.

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