Whiplash is a mechanism of injury that commonly occurs in car accidents, and quick jolting forces, such as being tackled, or even being on a trampoline. This mechanism can bring on an array of symptoms, and often affects the neck and low back regions. If left undiagnosed/untreated, the whiplash mechanism of injury can lead to long-term pain/dysfunction.
Whiplash mechanisms result from rapid acceleration and acceleration due to external forces (such as being hit from behind in a vehicle).
Neck pain and stiffness, headaches and back pain are common symptoms for a whiplash injury. In more extreme cases, things such as upper limb neurological signs (pins and needles/numbness), dizziness, memory loss, sleeping difficulty, tinnitus (ringing in ears), and jaw pain/dysfunction can also be prevalent.
Injury to the neck is commonly graded on a 0-4 system; where grade 0 is no complaint or signs of the neck, and grade 4 is encompassing neck pain and fracture/dislocation in the neck. Regardless of grading – it is important to receive active treatment and input/advice regarding a whiplash injury as early as possible. Coordination of care between GP (and hospital if required) and allied health therapists is important for holistic management of the condition, to enable a full recovery.
With regards to physiotherapy management for these conditions; exercise-prescription, education on the management of the injury/condition and symptoms, as well as manual therapy all have good evidence to be utilised as part of physiotherapy intervention for treating whiplash-associated-disorders. This may be in conjunction with medication and alternative work/sporting arrangements.
