Cervical Whiplash

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a soft tissue neck injury which commonly results from a sports trauma or RTA (Road Traffic Accident). Typically motorists who are hit from behind or from the side can sustain rapid forward and backward neck movements which can lead to strained muscles and sprained neck ligaments. The rapid movements involved suddenly stretch the soft tissues causing widespread micro trauma and subsequent pain and inflammation.

Cervical whiplash is very common; it is thought that about 2 out of 3 people who are involved in RTAs will suffer with some degree of neck pain. It is usually characterised by progressive pain and stiffness in the neck which may in the first instance take a few hours to 2 days to fully develop. Commonly, some degree of referred pain can be present which can radiate over the shoulders or down the arm. Symptoms which involve the nerves can also occur such as pins and needles or numbness. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, headaches and tinnitus.
 

Physio Treatment

Most whiplash symptoms resolve quickly with about 60% of cases resolving or improving significantly within 1-4 weeks. 25% of whiplash symptoms can persist for up to six months and a further few percent can still suffer with residual discomfort for up to a year.

In severe RTAs some patients are taken to hospital for a precautionary x-ray and are prescribed some painkillers, anti-inflammatories and occasionally some muscle relaxants. 

Physiotherapy treatments of cervical whiplash aims to restore good neck movement as soon as possible, reduce pain and any other symptoms and return the person to full function as soon as able. It was once considered the norm for people to wear cervical collars to rest the neck but it has been shown that excessive rest or immobilisation of the neck can actually lengthen the recovery period. 

Following a thorough examination and assessment of the presenting problem, advice and treatment may include the following:

• Advice and gentle active neck exercises to preserve movements

• Electrotherapy to control pain and inflammation

• Acupuncture to restore normal muscle tone and reduce pain

• Appropriate soft tissue and cervical joint mobilisations to restore movement and function

• Exercise based rehabilitation including stability and postural muscle retraining