Can you get whiplash and not know it until a few days later?

My brother and I were in a car accident 3 days ago. A car blew a stop sign and smashed into the front and passenger side of the car. Just now are both feeling sore in our necks and backs. Is it possible that we have whiplash and it didn't hit us (no pun intended) until now?

Yes, because most of the pain associated with the strain and sprain of a car accident is due to the inflammation that occurs 24-72 hours after the accident. When you have been injured, your body released chemicals and white blood cells, etc. to "clean up" the site of injury. These chemicals are mediators of pain because they are alerting us to something that is wrong...it takes about 24 hours for this process to take full effect.

Most people with neck pain after a car accident feel better after a weeks time (the time for the inflammatory response to subside), but if you begin to experience unusual symptoms such as numbness and tingling in one or especially both arms, seek medical attention right away. The same goes for severe headaches, double vision, signficant and progressive dizziness, etc.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Yes it is possible. The same thing happened to me, and it was about three days until it really started hurting. It took about two to three weeks before it stopped hurting. To be sure that's what it is though, please see a doctor.

Sorry to hear about accident.Were you wearing seat-belts?
Whiplash can occur usually within a short period,or lie dormant for many years.You may not have this condition.However to be certain you need to see a doctor and if neccessary,get an xray.You may just be bruised and need time to recover. Hope you take care. Your Kiwi doctor.