Whiplash
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a sudden acceleration-deceleration force, most often from car accidents or contact sports. It involves overstretching of muscles, ligaments, and sometimes irritation of cervical nerves or discs.
Common Symptoms
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
Dizziness or balance issues
Shoulder or upper back pain
Difficulty concentrating or fatigue in some cases
Physical Therapy Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough history of the injury event. A physical therapist assesses range of motion, joint mobility, muscle tone, and neurological function. Clinical tests help identify whether symptoms are related to soft tissue strain, disc involvement, or nerve irritation.
Why it Happens
Whiplash occurs when the head is rapidly forced backward and then forward, stretching and straining the neck structures. The injury can affect muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Whiplash can also result from a side-to-side impact.
Why it Doesn’t Always Heal on Its Own
Some whiplash injuries resolve quickly, but many persist due to lingering muscle dysfunction, joint restrictions, or nervous system sensitivity. Without guided rehabilitation, stiffness and pain can become chronic.
Ideal Physical Therapy Treatment
An ideal program for whiplash focuses on gradually restoring mobility, reducing pain, and re-establishing proper muscle control. Early gentle movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness. Dry needling may also be helpful in reducing persistent muscle spasm and guarding that limit mobility after injury.
Key elements include:
Manual therapy to improve mobility and reduce muscle guarding
Dry needling to decrease spasm and promote muscle relaxation
Gentle range-of-motion exercises progressing to strengthening
Postural retraining for daily activities and sport-specific needs
Neuromuscular control exercises to restore coordination of neck and shoulder muscles
Education and training strategies to avoid flare-ups and restore full function
Expected Outcomes
Most individuals recover well with structured therapy, experiencing reduced pain and restored function. Addressing both the physical and functional components ensures athletes return safely to sport and activity.