Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden jolting backwards and forwards in a whip like movement. This can cause some of the muscles and ligaments in the neck to overstretch. Common causes include road traffic accidents, falls and sporting injuries.
Symptoms of Whiplash?
Symptoms of Whiplash
Neck Pain
Neck stiffness and difficulty moving your head
Headaches
Pain and muscle spasms in shoulders and arms
It can take several hours for symptoms to start after initially injuring your neck.
When should I contact the GP?
You should urgently contact your GP or get help from NHS 111 if you have injured your neck and have the following symptoms:
Severe pain despite taking painkillers
Tingling or pins and needles in one or both sides of the body
Problems with walking or sitting upright
A sudden “electric shock” feeling in your neck and back which may also go into your arms and legs
Your arms or legs feel weak
What can you do to help?
To help treat your whiplash you should try to continue doing your everyday activities. Modify your tasks as necessary to allow you to continue. This may hurt a little but it will help to speed up recovery.
Taking over the counter painkillers as recommended on their packaging can also support recovery and continuation of daily tasks in the first instance.
Applying heat or cold to the neck for 15 minutes every few hours can help to manage symptoms of pain and tension.
You should avoid using a neck brace or collar to support your neck as this will not support your recovery.
What can Physioflexx do to help?
Manual therapy such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation to reduce tension and increase mobility
Acupuncture to support reducing pain
Provide a tailored exercise programme to support your individual needs identified through discussion and a comprehensive assessment
Further Information
If you have any questions about neck, back or shoulder pain and you would like to book an appointment to see a physiotherapist. Please click here to book. Book Online – Physioflexx Ayrshire
