Injuries
Whiplash After a Car Accident
Understanding whiplash
Whiplash is a cervical spine injury caused by the rapid acceleration-deceleration forces in a motor vehicle accident. It is the single most common presentation after a car accident in NSW. Symptoms often have a delayed onset of 24 to 72 hours, which means you may feel fine immediately after the accident and wake up the next morning unable to turn your head. Early assessment and a structured treatment plan are the fastest path to full recovery.
Common symptoms
Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches radiating from the base of the skull
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Referred pain into the shoulders or upper back
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Jaw pain or tightness
Quick check
Not sure if it's serious?
How we help
We assess the severity of your whiplash, document the clinical findings for your CTP claim, and build a treatment plan tailored to your presentation. Most whiplash injuries respond well to physiotherapy with graded exercise progression. Where symptoms become persistent, we coordinate psychology and exercise physiology to address the broader impact on your daily life and work capacity. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on recovery.
Treatment approach
CTP medical assessment and Certificate of Fitness
Physiotherapy for manual therapy and graded neck exercises
Progressive return-to-activity program
Psychology referral if pain becomes chronic or affects mood
Exercise physiology for reconditioning and strength
Ongoing review and treatment plan adjustments
When to see a doctor
If you have been in a car accident and are experiencing neck pain, stiffness, or headaches — even if symptoms appeared days after the crash — you should see a CTP-experienced doctor. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and avoids the complications that come with untreated whiplash.
Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Part of the guide
This guide is part of Car Accident Injuries: Symptoms, Red Flags & Recovery
Next step
See a CTP doctor about it
Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.