CMT II: Whiplash Flashcards
An acceleration/deceleration injury to the head and neck
Whiplash
Cause of Whiplash
Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Injury (CAD)
Disorder Caused by Whiplash
Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)
80% of people who suffer whiplash experience neck pain and stiffness which resolves in less than _____.
4 Weeks
S/S of Whiplash
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Paresthesia
- Nausea
- Low Back Pain
The most severe and long lasting symptoms of CAD result from _____
Rear Impact Collisions
Other Factors of CAD
- Head Position (turned to the side)
- Seat Belts
- Head Rest (too low, too far back)
- Seat Reclined Too Far Back
- Height (taller = greater injury)
Impact in which neck hyperflexes and then hyperextends
Front (reverse action of rear)
Impact in which there’s greater risk of lumbar injuries and striking window
Side
CAD symptom that may result in dizziness when person rotates quickly
Trigger points in the clavicular division of the SCM
Duration post whiplash during which person my feel no pain or ROM restrictions
24 to 48 Hours
Duration post whiplash during which person my feel no pain or ROM restrictions
24 to 48 Hours
Muscles most likely injured as a result of whiplash
Upper Trapezius (most superficial)
Only ROM rest that should be performed during acute stage
AROM
Symptoms that require immediate referral for medical evaluation
- Deafness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Tinnitus
- Loss of Strength
- Dizziness
- Memory Loss
- TOS Symptoms
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Neurological Symptoms
Symptoms During Chronic Stage (4+ weeks post)
- deep, achy, vague pain
- headaches
- shortened muscles
- fibrotic tissue
- loss of normal cervical curvature
- tenderness C4 to C7
- TMJ problems
- adhesions
- decreased ROM
- reduced strength
- muscle atrophy
Primary Focus of Whiplash Treatment
- smooth scar tissue
- trigger points
Direct work that can be performed over injury site in the acute stage (up to 72 hours)
- lymphatic drainage
- cold pack
Possible positions for treatment
All (depends on comfort)
Whiplash Treatment Length
30 min Tx, 2x week, 3 weeks
Whip General Protocol
- Warming
- Indirect MFR
- Joint Mobilization (subacute)
- Clearing (occipital ridge, SCP, trap, SPs)
- Trigger Points
Whiplash Treatment Modifications
- no direct MFR
- do not remove spasming in acute stage
- no stripping
- no firm traction or excessive mobilization
- never work bilaterally
Tx Goals
- decrease pain
- decrease guarding
- increase ROM
- mobilize
- indirect MFR
- treat affected muscles (SCM, upper trapezius, splenii, sub-occipitals)
- little bit of traction in all cardinal planes before end of session (prevent spasms)
