Whiplash treatment in Summerland

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden head movement, often in a traffic collision, a fall or a sports impact.

It can affect the neck and nearby tissues. Pain and stiffness may develop after the event rather than immediately. Whiplash usually eases within a few months, though some people have symptoms for longer.

How it can happen

• In a vehicle. A collision that jolts your head forward, back or to the side.
• In a fall. A slip on ice or stairs, or a fall from a bike or a horse.
• In sport. A tackle, a hit or a hard landing.

Common signs

Symptoms after an injury vary. These are the ones to tell me about.

• Neck pain and stiffness. Turning your head or staying in one position may feel uncomfortable or restricted.
• Headaches. Headaches can occur after an injury. Their cause should be assessed rather than automatically put down to the neck.
• Dizziness or balance changes. These need a medical check after an injury. They shouldn't be assumed to be a routine neck problem, so see the lists below.
• Jaw discomfort. Mention pain or difficulty chewing. The jaw page explains more about assessment of jaw concerns.
• Shoulder and upper-back discomfort. Pain or muscle tightness may extend beyond the neck. Describe where you feel it and what affects it.
• Tingling, numbness or weakness. New nerve symptoms after a neck injury need urgent medical care. See the emergency list below.

When to get help

How I assess whiplash

1. 1
   We talk first. You tell me how the injury happened, when the pain started, what you've noticed since and any medical checks you've already had.
2. 2
   I check for anything that needs a doctor first. I go through the questions that show whether a neck needs a medical check after an injury, and I test the strength, reflexes and feeling in your arms. If your neck might need one, I refer you to your doctor first.
3. 3
   I look at how your neck moves. Gently, and only as far as is comfortable, I check how you turn and tilt your head, and press on the muscles of your neck and shoulders.
4. 4
   We agree on a plan. I explain what I found, and the benefits, risks and other options for each treatment. If you're ready and it's safe to start, treatment can begin that day.

A first visit for whiplash takes about 40 minutes, and a follow-up about 20. If anything hurts, say so. You can stop or decline any technique.

Treatment options

After assessing you and considering any medical findings, we'll discuss whether hands-on care and exercise are appropriate. I adapt treatment to your symptoms and comfort.

What you can do at home

Gentle movement usually helps whiplash more than keeping your neck still. Before your visit and between visits:

• Keep doing your everyday activities as far as you can. It may hurt a little, but it isn't usually harmful.
• Skip the neck collar or brace unless a doctor tells you to wear one.
• Avoid resting your neck for long periods. Change position and move it gently through the day.
• Try heat or cold on sore muscles, wrapped in a towel, whichever feels better.
• Check with a pharmacist about which pain medicine is right for you.
• Hold off driving if you can't turn your head enough to check your blind spot.
• Do the exercises I give you. I email them after each visit and change them as things improve.
• Tell me if things are getting worse. Text me if you like, but I'm often with patients and can't always reply quickly. New numbness, weakness or any other warning sign above means medical help first.

Common questions