Neck whiplash

Whiplash is what we call an acceleration-deceleration injury and usually occurs with motor vehicle accidents but can also occur from being pushed in the back, during sports accidents or a fall.

Grades of whiplash

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can be classified by the severity of signs and symptoms:

Grade 0: no complaints or physical signs.
Grade 1: indicates neck complaints but no physical signs.
Grade 2: indicates neck complaints and musculoskeletal signs.
Grade 3: neck complaints and neurological signs.
Grade 4: neck complaints and fracture/dislocation:
*Most cervical spine fractures occur predominantly at two levels – at the level of C2 or at C6 or C7.
*Most fatal cervical spine injuries occur in upper cervical levels, either at the cranio-cervical junction C1, or at C2.

Treatment

The grade of whiplash will change the treatment approach. Chiropractic treatments are useful in the treatment of whiplash. Contact our Balmain chiro for more information.