Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, most often
occurring during a rear-end motor vehicle accident. However, the injury can also result from a
sports accident, physical abuse, bungee jumping or other trauma. Whiplash Associated Disorder
(WAD) describes the injury sequelae and symptoms that follow any of these incidents. This
includes damage to bony structures, ligamentous structures, muscles, neurological structures, and
other connective tissue.
A WAD can be an acute or chronic disorder. In acute whiplash, symptoms last no more than 2-3
months; whilst in chronic whiplash, symptoms typically last longer than three months. Most
studies suggest that there can be a spontaneous recovery within 2-3 months, and that the
majority of patients recover within 6 months.
Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, but often are not felt until the days following.
Some of these symptoms include, but are not limited to:
 Pain or decreased range of motion in the neck.
 Tightness or tenderness of the muscles in the neck.
 Pain on turning the head from side to side or backward and forward.
 Headaches at the base of the skull that may radiate towards the forehead.
 Jaw pain or clicking
 Referred pain into the shoulders and arms
 Pins and needles, or weakness in the arms
 Dizziness
Please note: this information is provided as general
information and a guide only. Clients are advised to
consult with their own Osteopath for further advice.
Dr Elizabeth Chen Page
WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDER (WAD)
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Ringing in the ears
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired vision
If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms after an injury it is important that you visit
your doctor or hospital (depending on the severity) to rule out more severe complications of
whiplash before proceeding with osteopathic and home care.
Home care:
 Remain mobile – studies have shown this is superior to neck braces, collars and
immobilisation.
 Ice
 Relative rest
 Ask your pharmacist or doctor about pain relief options
Osteopathic treatment will help in improving your posture,
range of motion, loosening off the tight muscles and reducing
your pain levels. Your osteopath will also provide you with
tailored advice; take-home stretches and exercises to aid in
strengthening the damaged muscles to ensure long-term
recovery.
It is important to begin treatment and rehabilitation as soon as possible as research indicates that
rapid improvements are achieved by early active management. As with most injuries: the longer
you leave it, the longer it will take to recover!
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Krafft, M; Kullgren A; Lie A; Tingval C (2005-04-01). "Assessment of Whiplash Protection in Rear
Impacts" (PDF). Swedish National Road Administration & Folksam. Archived from the original(pdf) on August
8, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
Mealy K et al (1986). Early mobilisation of acute whiplash injuries. Br Med J 292:656-657
Schnabel et al (2004). Randomised, controlled outcome study of active mobilisation compared with collar
therapy for whiplash injury. Emerg Med J 21:306-310
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whiplash/Pages/Introduction.aspx (2010). Retrieved January 16, 2013
from http://www.njpcc.com/conditions-of-the-spine/neck-paininjury.html
Please note: this information is provided as general
information and a guide only. Clients are advised to
consult with their own Osteopath for further advice.
Dr Elizabeth Chen Page
WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDER (WAD)
2