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Whiplash  injuries    Whiplash   is   a   term   used   to   describe   injuries   of   the   neck   that   are   a   result   of   an    acceleration   –   deceleration   incident,   such   as   a   car   accident   where   a   car   is   rear-­‐ended.  The  neck  is  hyper  extended  and  flexed  at  high  velocities  causing  stretching  of  the  muscles  and  ligaments  that  provide  stability  and  control  for  the  neck.    

Symptoms  of  whiplash  include  neck  pain,  headaches,  muscle  spasm,  arm  pain,  pins  and  needles  or  numbness  and  a  generally  also  be   feeling  unwell.   In  more   severe  cases,  symptoms  of  pain  and  muscle  spasm  may  present  in  the  thoracic  and  lumbar  spines.        Early   management   of   these   injuries   is   vital   to   prevent   long-­‐term   neck   pain   and  dysfunction   that   occurs   in   the   muscles.     Your   musculoskeletal   or   sports  physiotherapist  can  assess  and  treat  your  neck  in  the  acute  phase  of  whiplash  and  guide   you   through   a   full   rehabilitation   programme.     Your   treatment  may   involve  soft  tissue  techniques,  joint  mobilisations,  strengthening  of  the  deep  neck  muscles,  taping  and  ergonomic  advice.