Whiplash is an injury to the neck or cervical spine commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, although there can be other causes.
“Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck. It may result from … motor vehicle collisions … The impact may result in bony or soft tissue injuries (whiplash injury), which in turn may lead to a variety of clinical manifestations (Whiplash-Associated Disorders).”
Whiplash that has just happened (acute) is assessed and graded from Grade 0 to IV.
Symptoms and disorders that can happen in all grades and include deafness, dizziness, tinnitus, headache, memory loss, dysphagia and temporo-mandibular (jaw) joint pain.
The following guidelines are for adults presenting with a whiplash injury that has just happened.
There is evidence that the intervention/treatment modalities listed are effective for the treatment of acute whiplash. They should be used as first line treatment for acute whiplash.
- Reassure and stay active.
- Return to usual activities. (reduction in activities for NO longer than 4 days)
- Range of motion, low load isometric, postural endurance and strengthening exercises.
- Simple analgesics – Regular paracetamol may be used as first line treatment for acute WAD. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) If regular paracetamol is ineffective. Opioid analgesics (strong painkillers) may be necessary to relieve severe pain in the treatment of acute WAD. Ongoing need for such treatment requires reassessment.
- Manual therapy- there is moderate quality positive evidence for mobilization (NOT manipulation of the neck) and exercises for treatment of acute whiplash associated disorders.
- Manipulation of the thoracic spine.
- K- taping may be effective in pain relief.
- Trigger point needling may be effective
- Collars are no longer recommended.
If a whiplash injury becomes chronic, the management changes including the types of treatment and referral.
It is recognised that each person’s experience of recovery is different and the natural course of the condition can go beyond the acute phase addressed here.