Think I have whiplash do I need medical attention?

[StarCourt]

A car drove into the back of me a couple of hours ago when I was stationary at traffic lights.
I had just turned around to check on my dog who was on the back seat ( on the way to the vets) when i felt a huge jolt.
I'm in a fair bit of pain from my neck and the area around my shoulder blades and my left arm is painful and a bit tingly in my fingers. My thumb hurts particularly, I'm also feeling very stiff and weirdly my ears are whistling.
I imagine I've probably got whiplash but should I be seeking any kind of medical attention?
I've got a horrible feeling I'm going to be sore tomorrow.
The dog however is fine (according to the vet)

Did the police not advise you getting it checked out?

I didn't call the police.

Take ibuprofen for pain and inflammation. See your doctor so it’s on your medical records. Pay privately for physio and claim costs from other driver.

You should report accidents to the police and get a reference number. Your insurers will need it. You’ll have no chance claiming for anything without it!

@Soontobe60 I wasn't asking about claiming anything though.
My question was about medical attention

@Soontobe60

You should report accidents to the police and get a reference number. Your insurers will need it. You’ll have no chance claiming for anything without it!

That isn't true. I have an ongoing injury claim, the police didn't attend and throughout the whole process nobody has needed anything regarding the police.

Phone nhs24 for advice.

I had to get an X-ray when it happened to me (passenger in a car hit from the rear at 15mph in a traffic queue) as I could have broken my neck.

But it was just muscular and swelling pressing on nerves and 3 displaced vertebrae.

Over 20 years later I’m still bothered by neck issues.

So very definitely get properly checked out as it could be an issue later in life.

I signed for a small payment of compensation in full and final settlement (£750 in the 90s) but I wish I hadn’t as I’ve had 20 years of bother.

I've had whiplash many times but never got medical treatment for it. (not car accidents as cause) So I would be trying to manage it myself & only seek medical advice/treatment if I could not manage myself.

Why are you asking for medical advice here?

Oh and there was no police involvement. Just the drivers swapping insurance details.

police & insurance

you have exchanged details with the other driver haven't you?

the good news is that injury like that is not often severe. but do see a dr, not least to have the injury recorded should the insurance ask for it.

then see a (private) physio for a couple of sessions.

Tingling fingers are not typical of whiplash.
The NHS website entry for whiplash is quite clear in stating that paraesthesia (tingling) warrants medical assessment.

Is Mumsnet a new triage service

You need to report it to the police. And call your insurance agency and speak to them about your symptoms.

No you don’t but many people contact their GP or turn up at A&E to have it recorded for insurance purposes, which annoys me.

Usually worse next morning and 2 weeks to be over worst of it, 6 weeks for full recovery.

If not, see a physio. There is no need to seek medical attention.

Phone 111

@thickthighs73 I'm not asking for medical advice I'm asking an opinion as to whether or not people think I should seek medical treatment.
Wind your neck in

My experience is that it can take 24 hours + to come on fully. So you should have an idea of how bad it is by the weekend. I've had 2 similar accidents: the first left me with long term stiffness, occasional neck pain and it damaged my occipital nerve, the car was fixable, though. After the second one, I had no issues but the car was a write off!
If it was me, I would take pain killer meds and see how it was in the morning. Maybe contact GP then if needed?

Acupuncture worked well after first injury.

[quote StarCourt]@thickthighs73 I'm not asking for medical advice I'm asking an opinion as to whether or not people think I should seek medical treatment.
Wind your neck in
[/quote]
isn’t that the same thing jesus lol

I had severe whiplash and a disfigured neck after a fall from a height. After the Dr had looked at my X-ray and stated he couldn't see any breaks because the swelling was too severe I was freed of the neck brace, discharged and sent on my merry way. The only medical advice I was given was if it was still painful to go back to my GP and get re referred for another X-ray. Thankfully second X-ray and an MRI scan showed no breaks at all. I still have a disfigured neck 7 years down the line and still get aches and pains from it. I aggravated the whiplash Injury off a few weeks ago and it pretty much rendered me useless for about a week. It might be nothing but worth getting checked out

Cracking up!!!

Support your head when you move around. I often wore thick scarves to give some support. Whiplash is ligament injury when the ligaments aren't doing their job & muscles go into spasm trying to make up for the work ligaments do.

@lljkk

Support your head when you move around. I often wore thick scarves to give some support. Whiplash is ligament injury when the ligaments aren't doing their job & muscles go into spasm trying to make up for the work ligaments do.

Just out of interest are you medically qualified?

I’d really recommend seeking out some physio ASAP. It will help with pain for now but will also minimise long term damage. My ‘mild’ whiplash still restricts my neck movement and causes pain over 10 years later.

It’s worth seeing your gp so it’s on your record. That means if you need to claim for medical costs down the line it will be much easier. I know you say you don’t want to claim but physio costs for whiplash can rack up quickly.

You don’t need to talk to the polcie though. I’ve claimed for physio for whiplash twice without police involvement.

Pain killers, hot water bottles and keeping moving but not too much all help in the short term.

A few of you have recommended private physio and claiming costs back so thanks for the idea if it turns out I need it.
The car is 12 yrs old and I'm actually already part exchanging it on Saturday for a new car I'm buying.