Whiplash

Whiplash is a fairly common injury, most often occurring as a result of a road traffic accident. It is often the result of a driver or passenger in a stationary car experiencing rapid acceleration and deceleration when the vehicle is struck from behind. The term ‘whiplash’ is less than 100 years old. Until around 1928 or so, similar injuries were more often referred to as ‘railway spine’.

Whiplash Injuries

The most immediate effects of sudden acceleration-deceleration trauma are referred to as ‘whiplash injuries’. These are specifically the damage to the hard tissues (bone) and soft tissues (muscle, cartilage, etc.) of the neck. Most whiplash injuries heal in time, though a trained physiotherapist can often speed healing times.

Symptoms of whiplash injuries can include:

Headache
Lingering back pain
Pain and/or stiffness of the neck
Pain and/or stiffness of either or both shoulders
Fatigue or dizziness
Jaw pain
Weakness or chronic pain in one or both arms

Whiplash Associated Disorders

A ‘whiplash associated disorder’ refers to any severe, chronic condition contracted as a result of a whiplash injury. Symptoms of whiplash associated disorders vary, but may involve some or all of the following:

Difficulty sleeping
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Stress and/or anxiety
Anger and/or depression

For more information or to book a consultation please use the contact form below or call us on 01494 727859 (Amersham), 01753 362262 (Gerrards Cross) or 01494 416100(Beaconsfield)

© 2013 Bucksosteopathy & Physiothrapy 23 Long Park Amersham, HP6 5LA & 62a Packhorse Road Gerrards Cross, SL9 8EF Sarah Gill & Associates Registered Osteopath & Acupuncture serving the areas of Amersham, Chesham , Beaconsfield , Hazlemere , Chalfont St Peter Osteopath for Pain, Sports Children Babies Cranial Osteopath New Osteopath clinic in Gerrards Cross , Amersham Osteopath – Osteopath Amersham, Sports Injury Clinic Amersham –