Whiplash

Whiplash represents a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the 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.

Whiplash Causes:

Motor vehicle accidents
Sport injuries
Accidental falls
Repetitive stress injuries or chronic strain involving the neck
Shaken baby syndrome.

Whiplash Symptoms:

Neck pain / back pain
Neck stiffness
Neck swelling
Tenderness along the back of your neck
Muscle spasms (in the side or back of your neck)
Difficulty moving your neck around
Headache
Pain shooting from your neck into either shoulder or arm.

How does Physiotherapy Help?

Use massage techniques to speed up recovery
Apply joint manipulation techniques
Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation
Give mobilizations
Postural Alignment Training, muscle balance work, and taping
Provide supportive adaptations e.g. cervical pillows and lumbar supports
Muscle relaxation techniques
Give range of motion exercises.