Whiplash

Whiplash, also called WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorder) occurs after a neck trauma. Commonly after a rear-ended car accident, horse riding, sports collisions, or a fall.

Patients with a mild WAD may only have restriction and pai, whereas more serious WAD can involve some neurological symptoms. Serious cases may experience:

  • Memory difficulties

  • Blurred vision

  • Dizziness

  • Irritability

  • Confusion

Part of a standard examination process involves assessing for these neurological signs and referring to a medical doctor where appropriate.

If the problem has been determined to be appropriate for Chiropractic Care after a careful history and examination, then we can proceed to treatment.

Treatment assesses the function of the whole spine to look for areas of damage or restricted movement. To treat these, we may employ:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments

  • Soft Tissue Therapy

  • Shockwave Therapy

All these therapies are used to reduce the tension in the muscles, improve range of movement of the joints and to reduce overall pain and dysfunction.

Once the pain is below a 3-4/10 we can give rehabilitative exercise to strengthen the muscles that stabilise the cervical spine.