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Whiplash is a term used to describe the rapid hyper- flexion, hyper-extension of the neck involved in a motor vehicle accident. This results in overstraining of the joints, ligaments and muscles in the neck. Stretching of the nerves in the neck can also occur with Whiplash.
Whiplash can give rise to a wide variation of symptoms including; neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, headache, dizziness, arm tingling and weakness along with concentration and memory difficulties.

Patients presenting with Whiplash often have a combination of physical and psychological contributing factors. These may include; reduced neck movements, painful neck joints, altered neck reflexes, loss of arm reflexes and psychological distress.

Recent research has shown patients with chronic whiplash have marked changes in the deep neck muscles shown on MRI. This emphasises the role of physiotherapy to help re-train and strengthen these muscles in these patients.

Further evidence from the literature suggests that maintenance of normal activities and avoidance of wearing a neck collar as the most effective initial treatment. However, there are a group of Whiplash patients who develop chronic pain and disability.

Physiotherapy management  in the first three months includes education to stay active and avoid bed rest, restoration of neck mobility with manual therapy, re-training of the deep cervical muscles, re-training neck and eye control along with general neck and upper limb strengthening.

Al physica staff have received additional training in the assessment and management of whiplash patients. Our goal is to assess your problem and devise a structured plan to return you to full functioning ASAP.