What really is Whiplash?
Have you ever had neck pain after a car accident, fall, or sporting clash?
You may have suffered Whiplash or Whiplash Associated Disorder. Whiplash usually results from a motor vehicle accident but can also occur from sporting injuries or falls where there is a sudden movement of the neck backwards and then forwards relative to the body. Whiplash Associated Disorder refers to other presentations of Whiplash other than head, neck or arm pain. Whiplash can range in severity depending on how severe the incident was, and which structures are injured (soft tissue, joint, nerve or bone involvement).
The most common symptoms people may experience with Whiplash include:
· Neck pain and stiffness
· Headache
· Shoulder pain
Other, less common symptoms include:
· Dizziness
· Arm pain, weakness, numbness or tingling
· Difficulty concentrating
· Fatigue
· Tinnitus
What can we at Spine and Sports Centre do for Whiplash?
Our chiropractors and physiotherapists are well equipped to assess and treat whiplash disorders. Your practitioner will take a full history, perform a thorough examination, and refer for imaging such as Xray, CT or MRI if clinically indicated. They will then create a plan to best manage your condition.
Methods used to treat whiplash include soft tissue therapies (such as massage or dry needling), manual therapy (spinal mobilisation and manipulation), exercise prescription and home/lifestyle advice.
Getting proper assessment and management is important, as in some patients, Whiplash can become chronic. A recent study (Al-Khazali et al, 2020) estimated that 38% of people still suffer from neck pain and headache 12 months after injury.
If you have ever suffered neck or back pain after a motor vehicle accident, our Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are able to help!
References
Al-Khazali, H. M., Ashina, H., Iljazi, A., Lipton, R. B., Ashina, M., Ashina, S., & Schytz, H. W. (2020). Neck pain and headache after whiplash injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 161(5), 880–888. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001805
State Insurance Regulatory Authority: Guidelines for the management of acute whiplash-associated disorders – for health professionals. Sydney: third edition 2014.
Emma Cohn
Chiropractor
Spine & Sports Centre
