Whiplash Neck Pain

Whiplash usually happens from a traumatic event that involves sudden acceleration-deceleration forces on the neck. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of whiplash injuries, but other possible causes include sport-related injuries, roller-coasters and falls. A whiplash injury can affect several different structures of the neck including muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, nerves and discs.

Physiotherapy can be very effective for management of whiplash. A Physiotherapist will take a detailed history and complete a comprehensive assessment, to determine the severity of your whiplash. Prior to starting treatment, the physiotherapist will carefully rule out any more serious injuries, do the traumatic nature of whiplash. They will check for symptoms such as bilateral pins and needles, pins and needles or numbness in the face, gait disturbances, worsening weakness or sensation problems, bowel or bladder problems, difficulty with speaking or swallowing and fainting. If any of these symptoms are present, you should see your doctor immediately. If your physiotherapist detects any of these symptoms, they will refer you to your doctor for further medical evaluation, prior to treating you.

With the information gathered from the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop an individualized treatment plan to treat your whiplash. Based on your assessment and your symptoms, your individualized treatment plan may include:

• Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, mobilization or manipulation
• An individualized exercise program including range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching, and postural exercises.
• Education on activity modification, posture, and sleeping positions.
• Modalities such as acupuncture, TENS, ultrasound, heat or ice