🔸A sudden acceleration/deceleration force to the body causing forceful forwards, backwards or sideways motion resulting in pain and other symptoms is called Whiplash Injury.
🔸Injuries- Rear end collision , Road traffic incident, fall from a height , work injuries etc
🔸Improvement is seen within 6-12 weeks for 40 % of population
🔸Full recovery is estimated for 50% of population by one year.
🔸Sudden movement causes a shock in neuromuscular system leading to following
SYMPTOMS
- Neck pain – most common
- Headache – associated with neck pain
- Shoulder/arm pain
- Muscle spasms
- Pins and needles ( nerve symptoms )
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Poor memory
- Nausea/feeling sick/vomiting
- Jaw pain
- Loss of hearing function
- Tinnitus ( ringing in ears)
DIAGNOSIS
🔸Depending on nature of injury, a thorough assessment by healthcare professional is advised to rule out serious injury
🔸X-ray might be advised if fracture is suspected, soft collar might be suggested in some cases
MANAGEMENT
- Education- Patient education is vital in Whiplash
- Physiotherapy- Exercises, manual therapy, functional rehab , reassurance, self management advice.
- Medications- Oral over the counter medications or stronger pain medications can be suggested
- Psychotherapy- CBT, talking therapies, etc can be offered to cope with stress, anxiety or post traumatic stress.
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-pain-whiplash-injury
#physiotherapy #physiotherapist #physio #psychotherapy #whiplash #whiplashassociatedisorder #roadtrafficindicent #motorvehiclecollision #falls #injuries