Whiplash is a combination strain of the flexors, extensors and side flexors of the neck.  It doesn’t take much to get whiplash and will often show up a few days after an accident to year later.  The weight of the skull pulling on the neck can be sever leading to bony and soft tissue (muscular, tendons, ligaments and nerve) injuries.

Depending on the severity whiplash can cause:          

1) headaches
2) Stiff neck – and pain that can extend down between the shoulder blade and possibly down the arm
3) Muscle weakness in the arm, shoulder or hand
4)T.M.J Dysfunctions (achy jaw)
5) T.O.S (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) – Where the brachial plexus can be pinched by muscles in spasm causing tingling and numbness down into the hand and all possibly all 5 fingers.
6) Can crack your 2nd cervical vertebral (odontoid process) – This is why it’s crucial to do testing Before you touch the client because if there is a crack and then we put pressue on the back of the shoulder/neck region it’s possible to snap it.
6) An unstable neck(when there is extra movement among the bones of the spine – this can develop if the supporting ligaments have been stretched or tone from a severe injury to the head or neck) could cause Drop Attacks causing the person to pass out for a few seconds. (Turning their neck (when unstable) cuts off 50% of blood supple to their brain causing the black out.  The head will right itself as soon as you back out and you will come to not even realizing what’s happened thinking you are very clumsy) Vertebral Artery Sufficiency Test.

A Physiotherapist        would design a rehabilitation program to address your particular condition. The treatments focus on relieving pain and improving neck movement.. 

Massage Therapy        treatments can maximize the health of the neck.  Treatments are designed to help ease pain and to improve mobility, strength, posture and function.  Also teach the client how to control their symptoms and protect their neck in the years ahead.  Exercises are a must to be done on a regular basis.