Whiplash Injury? How Physiotherapy Relieves Neck Pain After a Crash

What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury resulting from a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, similar to the motion of a whip. It commonly occurs in rear-end car accidents but may also result from sports injuries or falls.

What Causes Whiplash?

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Contact sports (e.g., rugby, football)

• Sudden falls or slips

• Rollercoasters or similar sudden jolting motions

Signs & Symptoms:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Headaches originating from the base of the skull

• Dizziness or blurred vision

• Shoulder, upper back, or arm discomfort

• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Physiotherapy Treatment for Whiplash:
✅ Gentle manual therapy and mobilisation
✅ Pain management (heat, taping, dry needling)
✅ Postural correction and ergonomic setup
✅ Strengthening and range-of-motion exercises

Long-Term Recovery:
Early physiotherapy intervention helps prevent chronic pain and long-term complications by restoring proper movement patterns and building strength.