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 intervention makes a real difference. A 2014 Cochrane review confirmed that staying active and receiving manual therapy early after a whiplash injury leads to better outcomes than rest or collar immobilisation alone. More recently, a 2023 systematic review found that spinal manipulative therapy combined with exercise was effective for reducing pain and improving function in patients with whiplash-associated disorders. Clinical guidelines now recommend hands-on treatment and supervised rehabilitation as the preferred 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.