What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a non-medical term describing a range of head and neck injuries resulting from an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck.  Whiplash presents as a complaint of neck pain, stiffness or tenderness and decreased range of motion. This condition is most often associated with car accidents and specifically rear end collisions, although any forceful blow to the head or body can cause whiplash.

Fortunately, most people recover from the pain and stiffness associated with whiplash in a matter of weeks, but some cases require longer healing time and treatment from a physician and physiotherapist. In rare cases, patients can experience chronic pain for months or even years following their accident. Healing time varies with the level of tissue damage and the promptness of treatment.

Causes of Whiplash

Whiplash is caused by an abrupt and forceful hyperextension and/or hyper flexion of the cervical spine. For example, in a rear-end type motor vehicle accident the head snaps back and then forward as the soft tissues of the neck are stretched past their natural limits and are sometimes torn. Studies have shown that when a car is rear ended, the lower bones in the neck are forced backwards while the upper bones in the neck are forced forwards.

Symptoms of Whiplash:

Neck and back pain and aching

Neck stiffness and decreased range of motion

Shoulder pain and stiffness

Headaches (most commonly at the base of the skull radiating towards the forehead)

Jaw pain

Arm pain and weakness

Fatigue

Sensory disturbances, such as pins and needles

Physiotherapy for whiplash

Massage, manipulations and ultrasound may be used to provide comfort and pain relief, while certain exercises can be used to strengthen the neck muscles and speed the healing process.

Reference: http://physioinmotion.ca/patients-guide-to-whiplash/

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