Whiplash: Common Symptoms & Treatment Options. Would You Like To Speak To A Therapist? Call (24/7): 1300-003-777.

Whiplash and the trauma that occurs has historically been looked upon simplistically with professionals believing that after receiving a hit, the head and neck snapped a particular direction causing damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and potentially blood vessels. Once the head and neck reached its limit it would rebound and cause further injury and thus contribute to the development of symptoms. Recent advancements in Whiplash research has led to the discovery that it’s in fact much more complicated than this historical view. It’s now recognized that the sequence of events that take place during a whiplash cause a concentration of stress that is focused upon the lower joints of the cervical (neck) spine and upper back. This stress has been estimated to cause up to 10 times more movement within the joints of the lower neck than is usually considered normal. Image sequencing has demonstrated that as the lower neck moves one direction (hyperextension) the upper neck shifts in the opposite (hyperflexion) direction. This almost creates an S-shape within the cervical spine. People who suffer Whiplash will tell you of the incredible acute pain as well as lack of neck movement that follows.

Secondary Problems Associated With Whiplash Disorder

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Headaches
• Poor posture
• Hearing difficulties (tinnitus)
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• TMJ dysfunction
• Disc herniation

In cases of chronic neck pain due to whiplash, it is common to see individuals suffer depression, anxiety, stress, frustration, insomnia and even anger.

Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash has been poorly understood many doctors recommending that people rest with a cervical collar (neck brace) until symptoms dissipated. The aim of such techniques was to reduce movement of the neck to assist with healing. It’s now been shown that immobilization increases the chances of developing chronic neck pain. It does this by reducing blood flow to the neck, enhancing joint stiffness and reducing neck flexibility as muscles are immobilized in a shortened position.