Treatment
According to the recommendations made by the Quebec Task Force, treatment for individuals with whiplash associated disorders grade 1–3 should include manipulation, mobilizations and range of motion exercises. Non-narcotic analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed in the case of WAD 2 and WAD 3, but their use should be limited to a maximum of 3 weeks. A cervical collar should not be used for longer than 72 hours as it may lead to prolonged inactivity. Return to normal activities of daily living should be encouraged as soon as possible to maximize and expediate full recovery.
A different approach is taken by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who suggest that treatment for individuals with whiplash may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for 2 to 3 weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.
Treatment for whiplash is dependent on the grade category. It can be categorized as grade 0 being no pain to grade 4 being very severe pain. A physical examination can help identify what type of treatment is most suitable. For the most part we will be looking at treatment for grade 1 and 2. . Whiplash Associated Disorders. Pain Practice, 10 (2), 131-136. states that there are two treatment options: conservative management and interventional management. Conservative management includes active and passive treatments. Interventional management is medical treatments and interventions this includes: steroid treatments and botulinum toxin injections.
Active treatments are light repetitive exercises that work the area to maintain normality. Basic information is used to teach the patient about their injury. These exercises are done at home or under the care of a health professional. . Physiotherapy and Management in early whiplash associated disorders (WAD). Advances in Physiotherapy, 8, 98-105 suggested using three types of exercises to improve mobility: looking over each shoulder, moving the arms up and down anteriorly, and taking a deep breath while lifting the shoulders upwards and exhaling while relaxing the shoulders. Active treatments and are usually preferred.
Passive treatments are physiotherapy techniques such as: acupuncture, massage therapy, and stimulation. These techniques all involve physical agents. used physiotherapy techniques such as acupuncture, stimulation, and heat treatments in their study and the results showed that patients showed significantly less pain. Botulinum toxin type-A is used to treat involuntary muscle contraction and spasms. Botulinum toxin type-A is only temporary and repeated injections need to take place in order to feel the effects
For chronic whiplash patients rehabilitation is recommended. Patients who entered a rehabilitation program said they were able to control their pain, they continued to use strategies that were taught to them, and were able to go back to their daily activities
Read more about this topic: Whiplash (medicine)
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