Deezar Raval Physiotherapy

Whiplash PART 1: More Than Just a Pain in the Neck 🚗💥

👉 What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is the result of an acceleration-deceleration mechanism that causes the neck to suddenly extend (go backwards) and flex (go forwards).

This mechanism can injure and sensitize various parts of the neck; including
🔴intervertebral joints
🔴discs
🔴ligaments, muscles
🔴nerves
and lead to pain and headaches.

While car accidents are common causes, whiplash can also occur with other mechanisms; like a trip and or fall, or contact sports.

👉 Symptoms of Whiplash
Typical symptoms include
🔴neck pain and stiffness, often appearing right after the injury or even a few hours/days later
🔴 headaches,
🔴shoulder or back pain
🔴dizziness
🔴changes in sensation/numbness
🔴fatigue
🔴sleep disturbances

👉 Classification of Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries are classified based on their associated signs and symptoms:
Grade 1: Complaint of neck pain or stiffness only; no physical signs.
Grade 2: Complaint of neck pain or stiffness with musculoskeletal signs (e.g., reduced range of motion, tenderness).
Grade 3: Complaint of neck pain or stiffness with neurological signs (e.g., weakness, sensory deficits).
Grade 4: Complaint of neck pain or stiffness with a fracture or dislocation.

👉 Recovery
For many, complete recovery is seen within 6-12weeks. For others, whiplash symptoms can linger, with sensitivity and pain lasting for several months.

Factors that seem to influence recovery time include the severity of pain at the time of injury, cervical range of motion, certain psychosocial factors, and external factors like expectations, beliefs and occupational/financial stressors.

If you’re struggling due to pain, an injury, dizziness, deconditioning, or other health condition(s), our team of therapists are here to help!

Book with us online
https://deezarravalphysio.janeapp.com/

🌀 Understanding PPPD 🌀

Have you ever heard of PPPD: Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness?

This week was Balance Awareness Week and we wanted to help share information about often misunderstood vestibular and balance disorders.

Here is a bit of information about PPPD:

🌟 What is PPPD? - PPPD is a chronic vestibular disorder characterized by unsteadiness, dizziness, or non-spinning vertigo that lasts for 90 days or more, often triggered by factors such as movement, busy visual backgrounds, and upright positions. It often causes significant functional limitations to the person affected. It is NOT a diagnosis of exclusion and there is a specific set of criteria that needs to be met for the diagnosis of PPPD.

💡 The Cause: - We are not sure why it occurs but PPPD is often triggered after an initial event: vestibular issue, metabolic condition, medical illness, or psychological distress.

💪 The Power of a Team: - Addressing PPPD isn't a one-size-fits-all journey. A inter professional team including a vestibular therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, physician, and or specialist collaborate to tailor treatments to your needs.

🤝 How Can a Vestibular Therapist Help? - Vestibular therapists play an important role in helping patients manage PPPD. Treatment might include the use of strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and vestibular rehabilitation exercises to address symptoms, build tolerance and improve the quality of life for those affected.

🔬 The Science Behind PPPD: Recent research has shed light on the brain regions involved in PPPD, reinforcing its classification as a functional disorder rather than a structural or psychiatric issue. One way to think of it is PPPD is a “software” or “programming” issue and not a “hardware” issue. Although it is important not to forget that it can co-exist with other vestibular or medical conditions.

📈 Prognosis: A combination of vestibular therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmaceutical management have been shown to improve outcomes and quality of life for PPPD patients.