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In Western Australia there are over 65,000 car accidents a year, with many victims suffering whiplash injuries as a result.
The use of high speed cameras and studies involving crash dummies have shown that many car accidents involving rear impact of vehicles can result in victims suffering from a condition known as ‘whiplash’.
In a matter of a split second, the normal curvature of the cervical spine can be disrupted to an extent where whiplash injuries sustained can range from mild to serious.
 The sudden rear impact in a motor vehicle accident not only forces the bones of the neck (lower cervical spine), into hyper-extension (backward bending motion), it also forces the bones of the upper neck into a sudden hyperflexion (forward bending motion). This abnormal and sudden movement to the fragile region of the neck results in damage to the ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine (commonly known as soft tissue damage). This condition leads to inflammation and pain.
Have you been in a recent car accident? Physiotherapy can help. Do you suffer from any of the common symptoms related to ‘whiplash’ which our physiotherapist experts have listed below?
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Jaw ache/pain
- Arm - pain, weakness or tingling sensation
- Back pain
Physiotherapy Aids Recovery
Physiotherapy may be the best and most effective treatment in assisting people who suffer from symptoms associated with ‘whiplash’, according to recent studies. Benefits gained by regular physiotherapy treatment, include decrease in pain, improvement in mobility and increased productivity.
 In a review of further studies in the Journal of Rheumatology (2007), where existing literature on neck pain related to car accidents was studied, evidence clearly suggested the use of physiotherapy treatment involving stretching/strengthening exercises and mobilizations showed improvement with ‘whiplash’ symptoms. Long term benefits such as reduced long-term disability, together with physiotherapy being a more affordable option compared to other treatments were also obvious.
An article published in the Emergency Medical Journal (2006), showed the difference between two groups of individuals, each group recovering from car accidents. The first group received exercise and mobilization therapy, all of which were components of a physiotherapy program. The second group was treated with medication and wore a cervical collar. The result showed significant improvement in headaches and other symptoms related to whiplash with the first group compared to the second group.
Call our office today at Central City Health Professionals and make time to consult with one of our licensed physiotherapist health experts, if you have been or know of someone who has been injured in a car accident. Don’t delay as the longer you wait for the right treatment the longer your recovery process will take.
Take an Active Approach to Being Pain-Free
 With the correct care and treatment, the potential for recovery is high. Returning to some form of activity as soon as possible assists in recovery significantly. Symptoms will persist for a while, but, within a few days or weeks, the pain will improve. Always ensure you continue with your prescribed medication which will aid in early movement.
It is important to remember that prolonged inactivity will not help in recovery. Remember to keep moving and do not stay in the same position for long periods of time as this will only cause stiffness, tightness and inflexibility.
Exercise helps on the road to recovery. Regular stretching, strengthening and co-ordination exercises and simple neck and shoulder exercises are all safe and effective. Expect some soreness after exercising, this is not uncommon and not a cause for concern.
Have you been suffering with symptoms and aches and pain sustained from a car accident? Physiotherapy can help, and where appropriate Chiropractic treatment can also assist. A combination of standard medical care as well as physiotherapy treatment has been known to be the best choice to decrease pain, help improve your mobility and get you back on the path to a normal lifestyle again.
Contact our resident, licensed and expert physiotherapist now and see what we can do for you.
Your health and wellbeing is most important.
Call Central City Health Professionals Today on 08 9421 1733 today and let us show how we can help you
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