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Whiplash and Cervical Spine inury recovery

An acute whiplash injury follows sudden or excessive hyperextension, hyperflexion, or rotation of the neck. Whiplash injury is common in road traffic accidents, and may also be caused by sports injuries, falls or assaults. Most cases of whiplash injury occur as the result of rear-end vehicle collisions at speeds of less than 14 miles per hour. Patients present with neck pain and stiffness, occipital headache, thoracic back pain and/or lumbar back pain, and upper-limb pain and par anaesthesia.

What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist will assess how your head and neck are working and affecting your life. They will do proper assessment, check your cervical, thoracic, lumbar movements and touch the affected area for tenderness, swelling . Recommendations for treatment depend on the length of time that has passed since the injury. Further treatment and advice will be provided which include :

• exercises to do yourself

• some manual therapy

• acupuncture treatment

• advice on posture while sitting and sleeping, including practical advice on pillows

• lifestyle advice, and activities to avoid

It may also include:

• applying heat or cold to the affected area

• TENS - to help with any pain

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