What is Whiplash?
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Summary:
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Whiplash describes the pain from an injury to the soft tissues (muscles,
ligaments and facet joints) of the neck and back. Whiplash is
most often used to explain neck pain following a rear-end motor vehicle
accident, but it can also occur during sporting activities or
accidental falls. Whiplash is a type of strain/sprain injury that
involves rapidly accelerated cervical spine (or lumbar spine)
flexion-hyperextension. In cases of a rear-end collision, the speed of
the cars involved or the amount of physical damage to the cars may not
relate to the intensity of the injury. Car speeds as low as 15 miles per
hour can produce enough energy to cause whiplash in occupants, with or
without the use of seat belts. Symptoms from a whiplash injury may occur
immediately or a few days later. The most common symptoms of
whiplash include:
- Neck
pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder
pain
- Low back pain
- Visual
disturbances
- Unsteadiness
- Vertigo
- Nerve
irritation
A truly comprehensive approach in
treating whiplash pain should include the
following:
- In most cases of whiplash,
physiotherapy is utilized initially to reduce acute pain, inflammation
and muscle spasm.
- Adjustments or
manipulation are vitally important to correct biomechanical joint
restrictions that develop following the injury or that may be present
prior to the injury.
- Muscle and soft tissue
techniques can help reduce muscle/ligament pain, tightness and adhesions
and improve muscle/ligament function.
- Specific “low
tech” rehabilitation exercises and assisted stretches are recommended
to regain core stability, strengthen weak/inhibited muscles, and improve
flexibility and range of motion.
- An
anti-inflammatory diet with appropriate supplementation can
significantly help reduce whiplash pain.
- Postural
and repetitive stress activities may need to be addressed to prevent
aggravation of the injured soft tissues.
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