Whiplash

Whiplash has had a mixed press, due to the wealth of litigation surrounding whiplash and car accidents. However, whiplash is a real condition. A study in 1994, which reviewed all of the litigation cases on this issue in that year reported that “the unavoidable conclusion is that the majority of whiplash injuries result in real, organic lesions in genuine patients.”

Sources of the problem

Technically, such injuries are termed hyperextension and hyperflexion injuries. Recent research by a car crash safety division of Chalmers University, Sweden, reported that in a car crash, it is an tenth of a second that the damage is done, as the neck moves too fast and the fluid is trapped and squeezed. The affected part of the neck therefore exerts extra pressure on everything it touches, including the nerves. This effect is called Vertebral subluxation, and in severe cases, its effect are immediate. In other cases, as the body tries to compensate for the changed circumstances, the effects may not become apparent until hours afterwards.

How it can be treated, and what to expect at the physiotherapy clinic

We at the clinic, specialise in the treatment of whiplash injuries. We aim to educate the patient and guide them through the acute stage of their injury therefore preventing chronic pain states later. Patients need a holistic approach looking at all aspects of their life to help improve their painful states after these injuries. Treatment modalities include mobilisations, massage, treatment of irritable nerves, postural and ergonomic advice, and advice on the management of pain.

Prevention methods

Since whiplash is generally caused by a traumatic injury rather than a disease, there is little that can be done to prevent whiplash injuries. However, driving and headrest positions and other safety-related driving matters will help to minimise damage should you be involved in a car crash. Directly after the event it is imperative to have the injury diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent possible complications later.

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Back Pain

Nearly two thirds of the population of the UK have experienced back pain which affects their ability to carry out daily tasks such as lifting or bending. 2.5 million people suffer back pain every day of the week. More working days are lost in this country through back pain than for any other reason.

Sources of the problem

It is not surprising that our backs cause most of the problems. Muscles in the back come into play during almost all movements we make, working against gravity to move us in the way we want to move. Back problems can be caused by acute and specific causes such as a fall or a road accident, but are more commonly caused by a gradual build-up of symptoms which increase over time. There is generally a fundamental difference in the treatment of back pain caused by injury than that caused by a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or Ankylosing spondylitis.

How it can be treated, and what to expect at the physiotherapy clinic

Although there are a range of measures you can take to prevent back pain and to ease the symptoms, the Chartered Physiotherapist’s extensive training in anatomy and physiology means we are all experts in helping you understand what’s gone wrong, and how best to treat it. The most common causes of chronic pain are muscular or involve ligaments, joints, a trapped nerve or a disc. When you visit the Physiotherapist, they will carry out an extensive assessment before commencing treatment. This will include a discussion about your work, your leisure activities, and other aspects which could have caused the pain. You can expect a treatment which does not involve drugs, injections or complex machinery. Physiotherapy is still largely a hand-on profession. We will look at mobilisation of the joints of the spine, to see whether this causes or relieves the pain.

Massage helps to relieve spasm, increase circulation to the injured areas and help speed up the healing process. To some extent it is also down to you, you will be asked to carry out specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve muscle support. Pilates exercises are effective in toning up your deep stomach muscles. Our physiotherapists are trained in Pilates and can give you individual advice and exercises.

Prevention methods

Don’t bend over for long periods of time, or bend when you could kneel or squat

Always warm up before you do any sport or exercise

Take time to improve your muscle tone, contract your stomach muscles for a few minutes each day

Always gently stretch backwards when you stand after having been bent over for some time

Whenever you sit, keep an eye on your posture to ensure your back is straight. Adjust your chair if necessary If lifting heavy or awkward objects, do bend your knees, not your back

Above all, call us! Whether it is to discuss your symptoms, or to discuss various aspects of your treatment, we will be happy to help.

Whiplash

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Back Pain