WHIPLASH

Whiplash is a term used to describe neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck. It is caused by an abnormal motion or force applied to your neck that causes movement beyond the neck's normal range of motion. Commonly whiplash occurs as a result of motor vehicle accidents, sporting activities, and accidental falls.

A number of different tissues may be injured by a whiplash injury including the neck muscles, spinal discs, spinal joints and supporting ligaments and the vertebrae (fractures) themselves. I most cases a combination of these structure will be affected and an X-ray, at least, is often recommended if a high velocity injury has occurred.

Whiplash injuries will usually result in neck pain and stiffness but it is not uncommon to experience additional back pain, shoulder and arm pain, and headaches and symptoms may not always be immediately present.

Management of a whiplash injury will frequently include medication for pain relief and reducing inflammation, as well as physiotherapy treatment. Physiotherapy is initially aimed at reducing any muscle spasm and restoring normal range of motion usually employing hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilisation and stretching. It is important that normal movement is maintained or restored as early as possible as this usually is associated with a good recovery. In most cases it is also important to strengthen the small muscles that give your neck support. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a rehabilitation program incorporating appropriate exercises to assist you back to normal activity and life.