Whiplash Associated Disorder: Common Neck Problem After a Car Accident

Whiplash Associated Disorder : Common Neck Problem After a Car Accident 

By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT

Bowie Location

Whiplash-associated disorders are defined as an injury to the neck that occurs with sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head and neck relative to other parts of the body, typically occurring during motor vehicle collisions but it also occurs as a result of sporting injuries and falls. The majority of adults with traffic injuries report pain in the neck and upper limb pain. Other common symptoms of WADs include headache, stiffness, shoulder and back pain, numbness, dizziness, sleeping difficulties, fatigue, and cognitive deficits. 

Most WADs are considered to be minor soft tissue-based injuries without evidence of fracture and there’s evidence suggesting good prognosis and recovery with appropriate treatment. 

For the management of whiplash, there is strong evidence that multidisciplinary therapy is effective. This therapy consists of an exercise program, early mobilization and hands on treatment.  

The use of a collar stands in contrast with what is indicated in most of the studies; activation, mobilization and exercise. It is proven that early exercise therapy is superior to collar therapy in reducing pain intensity and disability for whiplash injury. Other studies also showed that exercise therapy gives better pain relief than a soft collar.