Your pain and misery as a result of whiplash injury might not feel any better if you were told that there is no evidence of injury on you x-rays. However this is often the case, because initially nothing may show up on an x-ray unless the accident was very severe. Symptoms can take months or even longer to appear. The problem may be in the muscles and ligaments, which do not appear on an x-ray.

Changes to normal neck movements

Rather that just a simple sprain to the muscles and ligaments of the neck, research shows that during a road traffic accident involving a rear end shunt, the neck curves in an abnormal S shape which grossly alters normal neck movement.

Normally the joints at the back of the neck glide over each other and are self lubricated, but a whiplash injury forces them together, damaging the surrounding area, which includes nerves, muscles, ligaments and discs.

There are tiny receptors in the ligaments around the neck called proprioceptors. These relay information to your brain about the position of the joints. If these ligaments have been damaged due to whiplash, you may experience dizziness or light headedness as well as:
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Arm pain
• Fatigue
• Poor concentration

We advise using ice on your neck in the days following the injury.

Getting all the joints working together

After taking a medical history, we will examine you carefully to assess whether your neck is moving properly. This involves examining the muscles, nerves, joints, ligaments and tendons. Then you treatment will begin with often gentle, specific adjustments to your neck. This will decrease pain and restore normal movement to the area, aiming to ensure that each joint is working at its best.