Whiplash associated disorder (WAD):
Whiplash is a common cause of neck pain. Most often it is due to a car accident but occasionally it can be due to a sports injury. Whiplash is the term used to describe the hyperflexion and hyperextension injury to the neck. This pain and stiffness usually reaches its worst the day after the injury.
Signs & symptoms:
- Pain in local muscles
- headaches
- Pain in spinal joints of the neck and mid spine
- Arm pain
- Injury to ligaments of the neck
Physiotherapy can be helpful in reducing pain and discomfort and giving advice and education on protecting the injured structures while they heal, the main aim of treatment is to return slowly to pain free movement. Acupuncture can also be used.