Whiplash 2018-01-22T14:52:00+00:00

Project Description

Whiplash
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Whiplash

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the soft tissue in the spine is stretched and strained after the body is thrown in a sudden, forceful jerk. The injury most commonly occurs in car crashes involving sudden deceleration, but the injury can also occur in other strenuous physical activities.

What causes it?

Whiplash neck sprains are common. Many people involved in car crashes develop neck pain (with or without other injuries). Women are more prone to whiplash sprains than men as their neck muscles are less strong.

Some people are surprised at having symptoms when the car crash was minor. Even slow car bumps may cause enough jerking of the neck to cause symptoms.

Less commonly, whiplash neck sprains can occur after a sporting injury or with everyday activities such as a sudden jolt to the neck when you trip or fall.

How can we help?

Various treatments may be advised by a physiotherapist if the pain is not settling. These include heat, traction and manipulation. The advice that our Physiotherapists can give on home exercise is often the most helpful treatment for whiplash.