What Is Spinal Whiplash?

The term spinal whiplash usually refers to the pain in an individual’s back or neck following a trauma such as a jolt. Although there are a number of instances which may result in spinal whiplash, the injury most commonly occurs when your vehicle, or a vehicle you are passenger in, is forcefully hit from behind. The sudden jerk to your head, shoulders or neck could be very painful. Here are some of the most important causes of whiplash:

• A sudden jerk of the neck
• A sudden vehicle accident involving collision
• A sideward injury to the neck
• A sudden jolt during a vigorous sport such as rugby or diving
• Injury to the nerves or vertebrae of the spine

Symptoms Of Spinal Whiplash

• Constant pain in the neck
• Severe headaches
• Weakness in the muscles of the upper part of the body
• Stress on eyes
• Mobility of the neck causing agonising pain
• Heaviness of the head and stiffness in the neck
• Numbness in the hands or arms

The condition can be easily diagnosed through a CT-scan, MRI and X-ray.

What Is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is regarded as one of the most commonly preferred treatments for patients suffering from whiplash. The initial stage of therapy involves refraining from all sorts of vigorous activities. Physiotherapy aids the recovery of the patient by using different techniques including massages, heat treatment and manipulation of the muscles to restore the normal, day to day functioning of the neck and spine. One advantage of this treatment is that it does not require any medication to treat the patient.

Physiotherapists are also helpful in recommending suitable exercises for the neck and spine which can alleviate the pain and restore normal neck functioning. These exercises can be easily performed at home, without the supervision of a medical expert.

Physiotherapy includes a lot of the following practices to lessen the pain:

• Electrotherapy
• Hot tissue massage
• Ergonomic tutorials and advices
• Exercises and yoga to improve posture
• The use of dry needling
• Exercise to increase the strength and flexibility of the muscles
• Recommendation of the suitable pillow and mattress to sleep on
• Advices regarding several activities

A variety of products are used by the physiotherapists to cure the patient. These items may include; heat and ice packs, pillows and mattresses to help correct posture. Stretching can also tone down stiffness of the neck and numbness of arms and hands. However, as some stretches or exercises could further injure the area, it is advisable than an individual seeks the advice from a trained physiotherapist who can observe the patient’s condition and tailor a rehabilitation plan to suit the individual.

Whiplash even affects the nervous system along with the entire body, thus it must not be taken lightly. With a number of private hospitals offering physiotherapy across the UK, it is advisable for anyone suffering from whiplash to seek medical advice from a trained professional.

Any information in this article should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or relevant health professional.

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About the author: Sarah; a Search Consultant at http://www.fdcstudio.co.uk/ providing Digital Marketing Services throughout the UK, writing about physiotherapy in Doncaster at Park Hill Hospital.