Articles

Whiplash Injuries – why it is so important to keep moving your neck after injury?

Whiplash is a term used to describe a neck injury caused by a sudden movement of the head forwards, backwards or sideways. It is often as a result of a car accident, as the head/ neck may jerk causing injury to the surrounding structures including the ligaments, muscles, nerves, connective tissue…

I recently saw a patient who appeared to have a whiplash injury however this was due to her young son jumping up on her from behind causing her neck to jerk.

The common symptoms of whiplash injury include pain in the neck, which could radiate down the spine, arms or even cause headaches, reduced neck movements, and tenderness in the surrounding region.

My advice would be to keep trying to move your neck, whilst taking the appropriate painkillers if required. People tend to make the mistake of not wanting to take painkillers because they believe it may be masking the pain. My opinion is that if you are not moving your neck because of the pain, then take them to help with movement otherwise you can develop a chronic stiff neck and chronic pain! Seeking advice from the GP is always recommended if you feel you need strong painkillers.

Written by Hily Perpinyal, Chartered Physiotherapist

Meet our physios

All our physiotherapists are registered with the CSP and HCPC offering the highest standard of care

Ready to recover?

Call us on 0330 335 1016
You can discuss your requirements with one of our specialist case managers

Why choose Home Physio Group?

We are a dedicated team of Chartered Physiotherapists working exclusively in your home and providing the highest level of care. We recognise the importance of knowing that you are in safe hands and being looked after. With this is mind, our client management team are here to assist you every step of the way and will answer any questions you may have. We are passionate about helping you to reach your goals, relieve your pain, and improve your mobility.

The benefits of using our service include:

  • All our physiotherapists are hand-picked professionals with years of experience
  • We are registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). All our physiotherapists are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 
  • We will arrange visits in your own home (or care home or place of work) at a convenient time to you
  • We work at speed and do not have a waiting list
  • We offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments
  • Our team work closely with the country’s leading consultants and specialists in their field
  • You will always have the same physiotherapist visiting you at home
  • You can have as many visits as you require
  • Our fixed pricing structure can be provided in writing so that you can consider it in your own time
  • We believe there is no “one size fits all” approach to care. Your personalised programme and treatment strategy will be unique to you