Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration injury of the neck. The result is damage to the muscles, joints, ligaments, bones and/or normal coordination of the neck. It can cause pain, stiffness and a variety of other clinical manifestations. So, why is it now so common and what can we do about it?
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash occurs primarily due to car accidents. Any sudden impact launches the head forwards or backwards relative to the torso which is held back by the seat belt. While this is an improvement on collisions launching motorists through their windscreens, it is quite harmful to the neck.
Whiplash is also quite common in contact sports like the rugby codes and martial arts. Contact to the head or chest exerts powerful forces on the neck causing whiplash injuries.
What is the best treatment for whiplash?
Treatment will depend on the grade of whiplash so it’s important to get your pain diagnosed. The rare high-grade injuries with fractures or numbness require emergency imaging and medical care.The more common lower-grades of whiplash can benefit from chiropractic treatment. Treatment will typically involve providing adjustments to the thoracic spine (upper back), gentle massage and strengthening exercises.
Perhaps the most important thing to note is that sufferers of a grade 1 or 2 whiplash are encouraged to continue their usual physical activities. Inactivity encourages lingering pain and stiffness but returning to usual daily activities promotes a healthy recovery.
Whiplash is a common neck injury but if handled properly doesn’t need to cause ongoing pain.
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Scott Leabeater - Principal Chiropractor
Most people come in because they're in pain. Some have just hurt themselves, some have seen other practitioners without success, and some have just moved to the area. Either way, they want to understand why it hurts, and they want to fix it.
When new patients come in, we discuss how the pain started and what it's stopping you doing. I examine the injury and anything nearby that might be contributing, then explain what I think is happening in plain English, including how long it should take to settle. Unless you need a scan first, treatment starts that day.
Since opening The Backstory in Caringbah in 2017, I've treated everyone from local office workers to Olympic athletes. The approach is the same for all of them: take the time, find the cause, and give you a plan you can actually stick to.
Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic, Macquarie University · International Sports Chiropractic Certification · SOT · GEMT
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