Whiplash (WAD) | Plenty Physiotherapy, Bundoora

Whiplash (WAD) Document 

Whiplash (WAD) is a condition defined  as neck pain resulting from sudden  acceleration-deceleration  movements. The term WAD is often  used synonymously with the term  Whiplash; however, whiplash refers to  

the mechanism of injury rather than  the presence of symptoms, such as  pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, and  headache, in the absence of a lesion  or structural pathology.  Whiplash can commonly occur from car accidents, sports and other rapid  acceleration-deceleration neck movements. It is important to note that symptoms  may not occur instantaneously after the incident and may be latent in nature. 

Whiplash (WAD) can affect a variety of structures in the cervical spine, depending  on the force and direction of impact as well as many other factors. Structures that  may be impacted can include muscles, joints (zygapophyseal, Atlanto-axial and  Atlanto-occipital), discs, ligaments, neural structures and or potential vertebral  fractures.  Physiotherapy can be very important in helping identify injuries and ensuring that  appropriate imaging is obtained when more serious conditions are suspected. Often imaging such as Xray or MRI can be recommended after these incidents (e.g. car accidents).  Physiotherapy management acutely may utilise the commencement of anti inflammatories or medication as per your medical team, alongside education on load  management and ergonomics. Manual therapy techniques such as soft/deep tissue  work, mobilisations, manipulations, traction, dry needling or cupping to aid in  increasing normal range of motion, decrease pain and reduce muscle spasming. The  earlier a patient is able to restore baseline movement after an injury, the more likely it is  that their overall recovery and long-term functional outcomes will be improved. Lastly, exercise-based rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates can help catalyse your rehab  by not only sensitising your body to functional movements but also help build  strength/endurance for your neck and its surrounding structures in preparation for long term efficacy. Your physiotherapist will formulate these progressive strength and  conditioning individualised programs.