What is Whiplash?
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Whiplash injury involves an acceleration/deceleration energy transfer to the neck, which may result from a rear-end or side impact motor vehicle collision.1 This type of injury can also be sustained diving into a pool or being tackled. Typically, whiplash injury to the neck involves relatively minor soft-tissue damage, but in severe cases it can involve fracture.2 Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is the clinical manifestation of a whiplash injury and presents as a number of symptoms. The following are common symptoms with the corresponding percentage of people who experience them within 4 weeks of a whiplash injury.3
- Neck pain (90-100%)
- Decreased neck mobility (40-95%)
- Headache (50-90%)
- Sensitivity to light (30-80%)
- Shoulder & arm pain (40-70%)
- Dizziness (20-70%)
- Concentration problems (20-60%)
- Fatigue (60%)
- Fear (45-50%)
- Reduced vision (20-45%)
- Depressive complaints( 45%)
- Back Pain (35%)
- Insomnia (35%)
- Increased irritation(20%)
- Abnormal sensation in the hand (10-15%)
Incidence and Prognosis
Physical Therapy After Whiplash Injury
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Early referral to physical therapy has been shown to be more effective than immobilization and rest.5,6,7 There are instances when immobilization may be warranted such as in the case of a potential fracture or possibly during the first few days after the injury.
- Manual physical therapy8
- Exercise 9
- Encouragement by the therapist to participate in normal daily activities 10,11,12
- Modalities such as electrical stimulation and moist heat