Acute Whiplash Injury Management Following A Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)

Phillip Audley-OSTEOPATH-Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) – RMIT

Whiplash injury is a common type of injury that can occur following a motor vehicle accident (MVA), particularly one in which a person’s head is rapidly and forcefully jerked back and forth. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. 

Here at Western Region Health, located in both Melton and Bacchus Marsh, our practitioners perform a range of techniques in the treatment and management of acute whiplash injuries to help reduce pain and increase functional movement. An osteopath will typically perform a thorough examination of the patient’s spine, neck, and other affected areas to identify areas of restriction and determine best course of treatment depending on the patient’s needs and the severity of their injury. By using hands-on techniques to address the underlying causes of whiplash, osteopathy can help to relieve pain, improve range of motion, promote healing, and provide a safe and effective treatment option for patients. 

Here are some of the benefits of osteopathy in the treatment and management of acute whiplash injuries: 

1. Pain relief: Osteopathy can help to relieve the pain associated with whiplash injuries. Techniques like soft tissue manipulation and muscle energy techniques can help reduce muscle tension, which can help alleviate pain. 
2. Improved range of motion: Osteopathy can also help to improve the range of motion in the affected area. Techniques like high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) techniques can help to increase mobility and flexibility, which can help to reduce stiffness. 
3. Improved circulation: Osteopathy can help to improve circulation in the affected area, which can help promote healing. Techniques like myofascial release and massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 
4. Customized treatment plan: Osteopathy is a personalized form of treatment that is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This means that each osteopath will develop a treatment plan that is customized to the individual patient, which can help to ensure the best possible outcome. 

It is important to seek prompt medical attention following a motor vehicle accident, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash. Your healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and recover as quickly and safely as possible.

References:

1. Sizer, P. S., & Phelps, V. (2014). Osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 114(7), 534-543. https://doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2014.107 
2. Anheyer, D., Haller, H., Barth, J., Lauche, R., Dobos, G., & Cramer, H. (2017). Mind-body therapies for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Rheumatology, 44(3), 334-345. 
3. Dunning, J., Butts, R., Mourad, F., Young, I., & Flannagan, S. (2015). Upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation versus mobilization and exercise in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multi-center randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 16(1), 1-10. 
4. Côté, P., Hogg-Johnson, S., Cassidy, J. D., Carroll, L., Frank, J. W., & Bombardier, C. (2000). Early aggressive care and delayed recovery from whiplash: isolated finding or reproducible result?. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 43(3), 561-562. 561::aid-anr1>3.0.co;2-n 
5. Greenman, P. E. (2003). Principles of manual medicine (2nd ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.