Whiplash - Accelertation/deceleration injury

What is it?

Acceleration/deceleration injury to the neck (whiplash) refers to the injury to any of a number of structures in the neck as a result of whiplash.

How does it happen?

Acceleration/deceleration injury to the neck is a common injury in motor vehicle accidents and contact sports. In most instances the head is either violently thrust forward or backward on impact, and injury to the structures in the neck results.

How does it feel?

Typically there is little or no pain at the time of the injury. Depending on the severity of the injury there will be a gradual increase in the intensity of the pain over the following 2-3 days. Pain is usually felt in the neck, and occasionally in the head and shoulders. This may either be a dull ache or sharp pain which is made worse by movement. In some situations it may prevent full motion of your neck. The pain may be in the middle of the neck, or to one or both sides of the neck. It may also radiate into the head, shoulders or arms.

What should you do?

If you have had a whiplash episode you should consult an appropriately trained sports physiotherapist for treatment.

What shouldn’t you do?

If you have an acceleration/deceleration injury to the neck, you shouldn’t ignore the problem and continue to exercise. This may lead to your problem getting worse resulting in a prolonged recovery. In addition, you should avoid activities which aggravate your pain.

Could there be any long-term effects?

Mid-moderate acceleration/deceleration injury does not usually produce any long-term effects, as long as it is appropriately diagnosed and treated. Recovery usually takes place in a mild-moderate case takes place in a matter of weeks to months. A severe case, however, can occasionally lead to degeneration of the discs in the neck and joint damage, resulting in long-term mobility and pain problems.

Management

The assistance of a sports physiotherapist is important in the treatment of an acceleration/deceleration injury. Initially, they can assist in diagnosing the problem and determining its severity. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as x-ray, CT scanning or MRI. From this, the sports physiotherapist will be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may initially involve techniques to reduce your pain. These may include activity modification, the taking of anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy treatment. When your pain has settled sufficiently, the sports physiotherapist will be able to provide you with a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed to return you back to work and exercise and to reduce the chances of your neck pain re-occuring.

 Brukner & Khan (2012) Clinical Sports Medicine.

Tom is a physio in Balgowlah who has worked with many clients after a whiplash injury, both in sports and motor vehicle accidents. He can assist with both private and third-party insurance cases.