whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that normally follows from a road traffic accident and normally affects the neck and shoulders.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash is the term used to describe a group of neck pain problems, often resulting from a rear-end vehicle collision. Long-lasting damage is not common and the outlook following whiplash is good as the injuries are not normally serious and don’t involve damage to spinal discs, bones or nerves in the neck.
What causes whiplash?
Whiplash is usually caused by a rapid, violent backward jerk of the neck or head as the result of a rear end vehicle collision that includes rapid acceleration and deceleration of the neck.
Whiplash can also be caused by several other things that cause rapid acceleration and deceleration of the neck including:
- A sudden injury to the head such as boxing or rugby
- A slip or fall where the head violently jolts backwards
- Being struck by a solid or heavy object on the head
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Symptoms of whiplash are often pain in the back of the neck which is worsened with movement. Pain may radiate up to the head, into the shoulders, arms or between shoulder blades.
Other less common symptoms include:
- Eyesight disturbances
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Weak or heavy feeling arms
- Pins and needles on the palm of your hands
- Problems swallowing or hearing
- Hearing disturbances
Some bruising may appear around the seatbelt area. If your neck is turned during the accident then other neck structures may be injured such as your nerves.
How is whiplash diagnosed?
Diagnosis of whiplash can be confirmed by a physiotherapist from your symptom description and by assessing your movement and what different things cause you pain. Scans and tests are not often needed unless a fracture is indicated.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for whiplash?
Our specialist physiotherapists at Farrell Physiotherapy often treat whiplash patients and can use a variety of techniques to help reduce your pain and allow you to return to your normal levels of activity. In order to speed up recovery, early treatment is recommended.
Your physiotherapist at X CLINIC will first assess your physical symptoms and will provide a tailored treatment plan based on their findings.
Physiotherapy treatment often includes:
- Ice to decrease inflammation
- Passive and active range of movement exercises to promote healing, and alleviate pain and stiffness
- Progressive stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises
- Soft tissue massage promoting recovery
- Joint mobilisation
- Advice on painkillers and anti-inflammatories
- Postural alignment training
- Reports for insurance companies if necessary
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.