Whiplash

Better known as “neck pain”, neck pain is a condition that occurs gradually or suddenly. It may or may not be caused by trauma. When the patient suffers from pain following trauma, it is a whiplash. This disease is characterized by a lesion in the ligaments of the neck. It most often occurs following a sudden movement of the head that causes localized pain in the neck. The severity of a whiplash is assessed at three levels: stretching, partial tearing and complete tear of the ligaments. Whiplash should be differentiated from torticollis, which occurs even in the absence of trauma. When the pain goes from the neck to the arm, it is a cervicobrachialgia.

What characterizes a whiplash

The whiplash affects the ligaments of the neck and cervical spine. The ligament is defined as an ultra-resistant fibrous tissue that connects two bones together. The patient can notice the first symptoms of whiplash instantly after the trauma or after a few days.

• Sore neck muscles;
• Headaches;
• Pain that extends from the neck to the arms, through the shoulder blades and shoulders;
• Neck stiffness, preventing certain movements;
• Dizziness or dizziness;
• If a nerve is affected, the neck may become numb and the patient may feel tingling.

The different causes of whiplash

Whiplash is known by different names, such as “whiplash” and “whiplash”. It usually occurs after a fall or a violent shock. However, neck pain does not appear in all cases. Certain factors favor the appearance of this pain. This is for example the case of poor posture over long periods, poor positioning at bedtime, osteoarthritis or prolonged stress. To anticipate recurrence and treat this disease, it is necessary to determine the cause. There are several risk factors that can cause a whiplash:

• The fragility of the neck;
• Old age;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Repetitive gestures that encourage you to extend the neck (painting the ceiling for example);
• A violent shock to the neck (intense physical exercise or road accident);
• Genetics;
• The degeneration of certain joints.

How to treat a whiplash?

In case of acute pain, the application of a hot water buoy or ice pack relieves the neck. The neck must move as soon as possible, which is why a physiotherapy consultation is essential.

In case of persistent neck pain, physical exercise is recommended. Some studies have proven the importance of physical activity in preventing neck-related problems.

In case of feelings of weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms, the consultation of a physiotherapist is necessary to remedy it quickly.

Treatment of a whiplash in physiotherapy

Whiplash can become a real handicap for people who suffer from it. This disease actually generates chronic pain. This is why it is advisable to call a physiotherapist to relieve and treat the whiplash.

As a first step, this specialist makes an accurate diagnosis of posture, vertebral mobility and the state of the nerves in the neck. Then, he develops a treatment adapted to each case while providing advice to relieve pain. Physiotherapy is based on the application of manual techniques that aim to help the patient regain mobility and flexibility in his neck.

The physiotherapist is quick to take care of his patients to quickly relieve these neck pains. At Physio + Hamel, find a physiotherapist who will help you relieve your whiplash.