Whiplash – recommended treatment, a chiropractors view from the City of London

Whiplash is a description of the ”trauma” that the neck and head experience – most often associated with road traffic accidents. This is a presentation that chiropractors, here in the City of London at Broadgate, see frequently.  It is not considered, however, aproper clinical diagnosis. The many different structures of the neck including, discs, bones, muscles, capsules, nerves and so forth are all prone to injury and each and every one of them are capable of producing symptoms. The subject of whiplash is commonly mentioned in the popular press and many maintain that significant insurance fraud takes place due to the fact that it can be very difficult to prove, or disprove, that patients are suffering from symptoms. Even advanced diagnostic imaging such as MRI and CT scans cannot determine what is wrong with a strong degree of certainty.

Since it is acknowledged by experts that some individuals will experience symptoms ranging from pain to headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, tiredness, etc, one can only imagine that desperate patients are willing to try “anything” in order to improve their status.

What do the experts recommend?

I will review the most commonly sought treatments and briefly write the conclusions as determined by a panel of international experts.

I will begin listing treatments that are recommended.

• Act as usual within tolerable limits. This is particularly important during the early stages after undergoing a whiplash injury.
• Active treatments such as manipulation and mobilisation coupled with individualised exercise programmes designed by experts are particularly useful in the early stages. This is where Broadgate chiropractors can advise you and work with our team of phsyios
• Multimodal therapy. Many chiropractors and physiotherapists use a range of therapies that have been tailored to a specific patient’s needs. At Broadgate Spine Centre in the City of London we take a team approach to management of these.
• Primarily pain relieving and anti-inflammatory medication can be useful in managing symptoms.

Treatments that are NOT recommended.

• No effect has been demonstrated.
• No effect has been demonstrated.
• Laser therapy. No effect has been demonstrated.
• No effect has been demonstrated.
• No effect has been demonstrated.
• No effect has been demonstrated.
• No effect has been demonstrated.
• Neck collar of special pillows. No effect has been demonstrated.

Conclusions

Whiplash related disorders are indeed difficult to diagnose and manage. It is probably best to contact an experienced clinician who has employs a range of therapies which can be tailored to your needs. It is important to bear in mind that the overwhelming majority of patients will do far better than most people imagine, although some patients experience symptoms for longer periods of time.