Whip·lash noun \ˈhwip-ˌlash, ˈwip-\ : an injury to the neck that is caused by a sudden backward movement of the head

Most commonly, whiplash occurs in motor vehicle accidents. When a vehicle is rear ended, the impact causes the neck to suddenly hyperextend and can affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs and nerves in that area. Rapid neck hyperextension can also be caused by sports-related injuries (i.e. rugby, football, boxing), trampoline accidents, being struck in the head with a large or heavy object, or even something as simple as a rapid fall on some ice.

The effects of whiplash can be minor, resolving quickly without any symptoms, or major, taking months, or years to heal. Sometimes the effects of a whiplash injury plague people their entire life but typically whiplash injuries take 2 to 3 months to heal.

Symptoms Of Whiplash

Generally whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck. The muscles that are affected are the larger muscles that help with gross motor neck movement, and the smaller neck muscles that help stabilize the head on the cervical spine as well as the muscles responsible for swallowing, and elevating your ribs. Depending on the severity of the whiplash, spinal nerves, vertebral discs, blood vessels and even bones can be injured.

Typical symptoms often include one, or more, of the following:

- Muscle pain and stiffness in the neck (and possibly into the chest and shoulders)

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Throat pain and/or difficulty swallowing

- Ringing in the ears

- Visual disturbances

- Tingling (and possible numbness) in the face and down the arms

Treatment Recommendations

Treatment of whiplash depends on the wide variety of symptoms present. A visit to the doctor (or hospital) is recommended if the injury is severe, as diagnostic testing can be done to rule out any serious problems.

Interestingly there are studies that show that one of the most effective treatments is to continue with your life as before the injury, the theory being that the psychological reaction to the injury can make the injury worse than what is physiologically wrong.

Your doctor may recommend one, or more, of the following treatments

Mobilize your neck. Keeping your neck gently moving in all its ranges (unless otherwise indicated by a doctor) will be helpful in reducing scar tissue formation and therefore allow the soft tissues to keep their range of motion. This may feel counter-intuitive, and you may want to restrict neck motion, however studies have shown that limiting movement (such as with the use of a neck brace or collar) delays recovery and prolongs the symptoms.

Ice your neck immediately following the injury for the first few days. Ice for 30 minutes at a time (follow the 10/10/10 rule from my blog “Heat or Ice”), about 3 or 4 times a day. This will help reduce inflammation. A physician may also prescribe medicine that will reduce inflammation and pain.

THEN, after 3 or 4 days, apply heat. Heat will increase the blood supply to the muscles and encourage healing.

Be aware of your posture: by maintaining good neck and back posture, you will help support your neck and restrict adverse forces on these structures. Often, muscles become weak and it may be difficult to maintain good posture. It is important to seek out appropriate exercises to increase strength and proprioception within the injured muscles. Some people find that sleeping aggravates their symptoms,   therefore finding a pillow that supports the natural curve in your neck may be helpful.

Although you may not be able to control the circumstances leading up to acquiring whiplash you can use some of these treatment suggestions to mitigate the long term damage and speed the healing process.

While there may be information related to certain medical conditions and their treatment on this website, please consult your doctor or other healthcare professional to determine if a treatment described in the website is appropriate for you. 

Kirsten Hammond is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Evolutions Massage Therapy Clinic- Saanich, BC & Sidney, BC & Brentwood Bay, BC