Whiplash Treatment in Hull
Whiplash is a real injury, not an exaggeration. Dr Guy Gosselin has researched whiplash injuries with Southampton University’s Clinical Biomechanics Group, and brings that understanding to every assessment at our Holderness Road clinic.
What whiplash is — and why it can be delayed
Whiplash happens when a sudden acceleration and deceleration forces the neck through movements it can’t control at that speed, most often in a rear-end or side-impact collision. It strains the small joints, ligaments and muscles of the neck.
Many people feel fine at the scene, then wake up the next day stiff and sore. That delay is normal: inflammation and muscle guarding build up over 24–48 hours. Common symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse the next morning
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Pain spreading into the shoulders or between the shoulder blades
- Pins and needles or aching in the arm
- Tiredness, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating
- Occasional dizziness
What treatment involves
A thorough assessment
Dr Gosselin takes a full history of the accident and your symptoms, then examines your neck and upper back and checks the nerves to your arms. This identifies which structures were affected and whether you need imaging or referral first.
Early, guided movement
Research, including the Quebec Task Force review, has shown that soft collars and prolonged rest tend to slow recovery. Gentle, guided movement, built up gradually, is now the evidence-based approach.
Hands-on treatment
When appropriate and safe, treatment may include gentle mobilisation, soft-tissue work and a graded exercise programme to restore movement and strength. Techniques are matched to how acute your injury is.
Spotting slow recovery early
Most people recover well within weeks. A smaller number develop longer-lasting symptoms, and identifying them early makes a real difference to how they’re managed.
Ergonomic advice
As you recover, small ergonomic changes help protect your neck: setting your car head restraint at the right height, adjusting your screen and chair at work, taking regular movement breaks, and choosing a pillow and sleeping position that keep your neck comfortable.
Three visits.
That’s all it should take to know if your treatment is actually working. Research suggests that if treatment is working, most people see real change within the first few visits. Not thirty visits. Three.
No change? That’s not a reason to keep going — it’s time to reassess, investigate further, or try a different approach.
Good care isn’t measured in appointments booked. It’s measured in results — and you’ll know by visit three.
Top 3 Reasons You’re Waking Up With Neck Pain
Common, fixable causes of morning neck pain.
Read Dr Gosselin’s article Whiplash after a car accident: what the research actually shows, or listen to the podcast below.
Listen: Demystifying Neck Pain and Whiplash
What our Hull patients say
“Dr Gosselin was very knowledgeable, diagnosed my problem straight away”
— Martin R.“I felt like I was being listened to 100%”
— Lynn F.“My treatment and explanation was really good and I came out feeling much better”
— Susan H.Whiplash: your questions answered
Should I wear a neck collar?
Usually not. Research shows that keeping the neck rigid tends to slow recovery. Gentle movement within a comfortable range is generally better.
I feel fine now. Should I still be checked?
If you have any neck pain or stiffness after a collision, it’s worth an assessment, because symptoms often build over the first 24–48 hours.
How long does whiplash take to get better?
Most people improve significantly within weeks. You should know within three visits whether treatment is helping.
Do I need an X-ray?
Only if the examination suggests a possible fracture or other serious injury. If you have severe pain, numbness or weakness after a collision, go to A&E first.
Related reading
Book your whiplash assessment in Hull
Book online in under two minutes, or call and our receptionist will find a time that suits you.