Conditions We Treat
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, most commonly from car accidents but also from sports collisions, falls or any impact that snaps the neck rapidly. Even low-speed collisions can produce significant symptoms. It is one of the most common injuries we see following road accidents in the Sandton and Johannesburg area.
The mechanism of injury involves rapid acceleration and deceleration of the cervical spine, which stretches and damages the muscles, ligaments, joint capsules and sometimes the discs and nerves in the neck. Symptoms often appear hours or even days after the incident and can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, jaw pain and difficulty concentrating. Without proper treatment, acute whiplash can develop into a chronic condition known as whiplash-associated disorder (WAD).
Early assessment is important. Clinical guidelines recommend staying active after a whiplash injury rather than prolonged rest or collar immobilisation. A 2021 systematic review found that exercise therapy reduces neck pain in whiplash patients, and current guidelines favour active rehabilitation, including manual therapy and supervised exercise, as the first-line approach.
We assess the full extent of the injury, checking not just the neck but also the upper back, shoulders and jaw, which are frequently affected. Treatment combines gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy and a progressive rehabilitation programme designed to restore range of motion and rebuild stability. We also guide you through the recovery timeline so you know what to expect and when to return to normal activities.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH
- Neck pain and stiffness that worsens over the first few days
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Pain or stiffness in the shoulders and upper back
- Reduced range of motion when turning or tilting the head
- Dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness
- Jaw pain or difficulty opening the mouth fully
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Tingling or numbness into the arms or hands
- Disturbed sleep due to neck discomfort
- Muscle spasm across the neck and upper trapezius
If you have been in a car accident or suffered a whiplash injury, do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. Early, active treatment leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of long-term problems.
We treat post-accident patients from across Sandton, Morningside, Wynberg, Alexandra, Rivonia and the wider Johannesburg area.
Book an appointment at our Sandton practice and get started on the road to recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, most commonly from car accidents but also from sports collisions and falls. The rapid movement stretches and damages muscles, ligaments, joint capsules and sometimes discs in the cervical spine.
As soon as possible. Clinical guidelines recommend early active management over prolonged rest for whiplash injuries, and research supports exercise and manual therapy for reducing pain. Symptoms often appear hours or days after the incident, so do not wait for pain to develop.
Yes, this is very common. Whiplash symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating often appear 24 to 72 hours after the injury. Without proper treatment, acute whiplash can develop into a chronic condition.
Most whiplash injuries improve within 6 to 12 weeks with proper treatment. However, without appropriate care, some cases develop into chronic whiplash-associated disorder. Clinical guidelines recommend early, active treatment including exercise and manual therapy as a first-line approach.
Current clinical guidelines advise against prolonged collar use for whiplash. Research shows that staying active and receiving manual therapy leads to better outcomes than rest or collar immobilisation. Your chiropractor will guide you through safe movement and progressive rehabilitation.