Whiplash: when to see a doctor and your first visit
Falls or accidents can cause whiplash. Neck pain following an injury needs medical advice. Message me on WhatsApp or call to arrange a visit at my San Pedro de Alcántara clinic or at home.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only · Home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona
Comprehensive Body Assessment €70 at the clinic · €120 at home
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
When to see a doctor or call 112
Call 112 or go to A&E (urgencias)
- Fever with a headache and a neck so stiff that your chin cannot reach your chest.
- Signs of a heart attack: breathlessness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or arm or jaw pain.
- Neck pain following a fall, blow or injury, with an arm or hand you cannot move. Ask someone else to call 112.
Ask for urgent medical attention
- Severe pain.
- Tingling or pins and needles on one or both sides of your body.
- Difficulty walking or sitting upright.
- A sudden electric-shock feeling in your neck and back, which may spread into your arms and legs.
- Weak hands, arms or legs.
- Numbness in an arm or hand, or problems keeping your balance.
- If you lose control of your bladder or bowels.
Book an appointment with your doctor
- Neck pain following a fall, blow or injury, even if you can move your arm and hand.
- Neck pain with difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Swollen glands or a lump in your neck.
- Pain worse when lying down, waking you at night or making it impossible to get comfortable.
- Symptoms still present after a week of self-care.
- No improvement a week after whiplash, or worry about the pain.
Osteopathy does not replace your doctor or any medication you have been prescribed.
What whiplash is
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck, also called neck sprain or strain.
It is caused by a sudden movement of the head. Common causes include road accidents, slips, falls and sports injuries. Accidents can also cause other serious neck injuries.
Common symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, with difficulty moving the head. Headaches, pain in the shoulders and arms, and muscle spasms in those areas can also occur. They can take several hours to appear after the injury.
If your neck pain did not follow a blow or sudden movement, you may find the pages on neck pain and stiff neck useful.
Your doctor is responsible for the diagnosis. Medication is a matter for your doctor.
If you get in touch about whiplash: the first visit
Tell me where you want to meet
Send me a WhatsApp message or call about an appointment. Give me your town and choose a clinic or home visit. We agree a day and time.
The opening conversation
We start with the go-ahead of the doctor who treated you. Your first visit is called the Comprehensive Body Assessment. It includes a case history, meaning a conversation about your health history, a full check and first contact.
Assessment and first contact
I observe and listen to you, assess your case and do some first hands-on work. There is no single action on an isolated area: I look at your body as one single, indivisible unit.
If I have doubts
I recommend seeing your doctor whenever I am unsure or unable to work with you.
Hands-on sessions and guidance for home
I do thorough hands-on sessions and give personalised guidance for home: posture recommendations and exercises. I make no promises.
My service page explains how I work in osteopathy.
Prices
The address, home visits and fees
My address in San Pedro de Alcántara is C/ Ilusión 17, Fuente Nueva. I see clients by appointment only. An unpaved parking area 50 m from the clinic is free to use.
For appointments in your home, hotel or villa, I visit San Pedro, Marbella and Benahavís. Marbella includes Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús. I need advance notice for a visit in Estepona.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at the clinic: €70; this first visit lasts 60 min.
- Comprehensive Body Assessment at home: €120 for the first visit.
- Osteopathy at the clinic: each session costs €70.
- Home sessions: prices start at €100.
You can pay by bank transfer, Bizum or cash. Appointments are private; I don’t work with insurers. The prices page lists the fees.
For medical emergencies, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Questions after an accident and about appointments
Can symptoms start hours after the accident?
Yes. Symptoms may take several hours to appear after the injury. Neck pain following an accident needs medical advice. The list of warning signs above explains when to seek medical attention.
Is an appointment with you covered by car insurance?
I don’t work with insurers. My appointments are private.
Should I bring the paperwork from the hospital?
Bring any reports or test results your doctor or specialist has given you to the visit. It’s fine if you don’t have any.
After a fall, does my doctor need to give the go-ahead?
We start with the go-ahead of the doctor who treated you. If you had an operation, your doctor has the final say. We start after medical discharge, following their instructions and working safely.
Can someone come with me to the first appointment?
Yes, you can have a companion with you during a session, at the clinic or at home.
Can I drive if I have tingling after the impact?
Tingling after a neck injury needs urgent medical attention. With those signs, avoid activities that could be dangerous, such as driving or cycling, until you have spoken to a doctor.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, “Neck Injuries and Disorders”, no review date stated; accessed 5 November 2026. Used for: definition and neck injuries caused by accidents.
- MedlinePlus, “Neck pain”, reviewed 14 January 2026; accessed 5 November 2026. Used for: warning signs and when to see a doctor.
- NHS, “Whiplash”, reviewed 19 August 2026; accessed 5 November 2026. Used for: causes, symptoms, delayed onset and driving precautions.
Tell me what kind of visit you need and where
Phone +34 672 29 91 22
To arrange a visit, tell me your town and whether you prefer the clinic or a home visit. Don’t send diagnoses, reports or medical test results by message.
Clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, by appointment only; home visits in San Pedro, Marbella, Benahavís and, with prior notice, Estepona. Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
I do the sessions in Spanish or English.