Neck whiplash is the term given to an acceleration/deceleration injury of the neck that typically occurs during motor vehicle accidents or contact sports. A multi-modal physiotherapy approach has shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with WAD.
Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) – Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain and stiffness and improve neck strength and range of motion through early mobilisation, exercise therapy, pain relief modalities, reassurance and education.
In most cases, complete recovery from a whiplash injury takes about 3 months. Symptoms that develop immediately can indicate a more severe injury that may result in long-term complications (e.g. chronic neck pain) and a poor prognosis.
For further information:
Title: The treatment of neck pain-associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline
Source: Bussieres AE, et. al. The treatment of neck pain-associated disorders and whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical practice guideline, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 2016 Oct;39(8):523-564
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