Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash is a common injury, but not one that should be taken lightly.
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What a Pain in the Neck
Have you ever been in a car accident that left your neck feeling a bit stiff and sore for a few days? Do you avoid roller coasters because of the strain they place on your neck? Have you been tackled during a football game so hard that any slight movement of your neck caused you pain?
Millions of people worldwide experience whiplash each year. While it’s thought to be a fairly mild condition that most people will fully recover from in a few months, it can cause long-term pain and discomfort so should never be ignored.
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What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a term used to describe an injury whereby the neck experiences a forceful, back-and-forth motion that is beyond the normal range of movement. This causes sudden strain on the delicate vertebrae, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the cervical spine (or neck).
This injury is most common after a car accident (specifically after being rear-ended), but it can also be caused by a sporting accident or other trauma (such as a fall or amusement park ride).
Whiplash Symptoms
Some people experience symptoms immediately after sustaining the injury, whereas others develop them over time. Symptoms also vary from person to person.
Common symptoms include:
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Whiplash Treatment
Early intervention is essential for a good recovery from whiplash.
Your physiotherapist and your doctor will likely collaborate on a treatment plan. During the initial assessment, your health professional will take down a thorough history and perform an orthopedic, neurological, and spinal examination to determine the exact location of the injury. Diagnostic imaging (such as X-ray, CT, and MRI scans) may also be required to fully assess the damage.
Research has shown that a combination of active and passive therapy leads to the best outcomes. Your physiotherapist will likely use a mix of techniques to treat your whiplash, including heat, cryotherapy (or icing), massage, mobilisation and exercise (specifically targeting mobility and strength), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (or TENS).
Pain relief medicines may be prescribed to help you manage the pain in the short term.
Your Whiplash Questions Answered
While most people feel better within a few weeks and don’t seem to have any lasting effects from the injury, others experience pain from whiplash for months or even years. It’s hard to predict which way it will go, however, if your first symptoms were intense and started quickly you’re more likely to experience ongoing pain.
While this injury can occur to anyone at any age, older adults and women are more likely to sustain such an injury. This is due to several factors:
- Height (as women tend to be shorter than men)
- Spine structure differences
Muscle differences (as women tend to have less muscle tissue) - Vehicle construction (which tends to favour the protection of men)
As this injury is unpredictable, it cannot be prevented entirely. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting whiplash:
- Adjust your vehicle seat to the correct position
- Wear your seat belt correctly
- Do your best to position your head against the headrest and face straight ahead if an accident is about to occur (and you have time)
- Avoid dangerous contact when playing contact sports
- Talk to your healthcare provider before riding amusement park rides
If you suspect that you have developed whiplash, you should see a doctor so that they can assess how severe the injury is. If you are involved in a car accident or experience some sort of trauma to the neck, you should be assessed as soon as possible even if you have no pain, as symptoms may appear hours or even days after.
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Why Ace Allied Health?
Qualified Team
Our compassionate physiotherapists are highly trained and experienced in treating a variety of conditions, including whiplash – you’re in good hands.
Personalised Treatment
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach – we take the time to get to know you, your symptoms, and your goals and tailor a plan to suit.
Local Clinics
With four local clinics based in Bendigo (including Castlemaine, Kangaroo Flat and Maryborough), quality care is not far away.
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Don’t Take a Wait-and-See Approach to Whiplash
While the prognosis is generally good and most people will recover from whiplash in a few days or weeks, some people will experience ongoing pain and complications as a result of the injury. This is why you must seek treatment from an allied health professional.
Our team of physiotherapists has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding the neck and spine, allowing them to tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. Book an appointment today to have your whiplash assessed.
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Empowering Health and Performance
At Ace Allied Health, your well-being is our priority. No matter your age, stage of life, or lifestyle, we want to help you feel your best! Whether that’s with physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, or something else, we’re the team in your corner cheering you on to help you reach your goals. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life by booking an appointment today.