whiplash

A so-called neck slump can occur in traffic accidents, falls or sports injuries. The cause of whiplash is the rapid cervical acceleration, followed by an immediate acceleration. This means that the neck does not have time to 'defend' and thus this mechanism where the head is thrown backwards and forwards, while the rest of the body does not move as much, can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons inside the neck. If you experience neurological symptoms after such an accident (eg pain in the arms or a feeling of reduced force in the arms) seek medical attention immediately.

A study called The Quebec Task Force has categorized whiplash into 5 categories:

·      Grade 0: no neck pain, stiffness, or any physical signs are noticed

·      Grade 1: neck complaints of pain, stiffness or tenderness only but no physical signs are noted by the examining physician.

·      Grade 2: neck complaints and the examining physician finds decreased range of motion and point tenderness in the neck.

·      Grade 3: neck complaints plus neurological signs such as decreased deep tendon reflexes, weakness and sensory deficits.

·      Grade 4: neck complaints and fracture or dislocation, or injury to the spinal cord.

It is mainly those who fall within grades 1-2 that have the best results with physical therapy (eg physiotherapy, chiropractic). Grade 3-4 can in the worst case lead to permanent injuries, so it is therefore important that a person who has been in a neck injury gets an immediate check by ambulance personnel or a consultation at the emergency room - it can also be very important for insurance reasons that the injury registered immediately after the accident.

>> Also read: Exercises and training for neck slings and whiplash injuries.

Exercise and movement are good for body and soul:

• Chin-up / pull-up exercise bar can be an excellent exercise tool to have at home. It can be attached and detached from the door frame without the use of a drill or tool.
• Cross-trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness training. Good for promoting movement in the body and exercising overall.
• Grip-cleaning tools can help strengthen relevant hand muscles and thus help to work out muscle dysfunction.
• Rubber exercise knit is an excellent tool for you who need to strengthen the shoulder, arm, core and more. Gentle but effective training.
• Kettlebells is a very effective form of training that produces fast and good results.
• Rowing Machines is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength.
• Spinning ergometer bike: Good to have at home, so you can increase the amount of exercise throughout the year and get better fitness.