​Whiplash and motor vehicle accident injuries
Whiplash is a specific type of neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head - most commonly from a rear-end car accident, but also from sporting impacts, falls and amusement park rides. Symptoms can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, jaw pain, shoulder and upper back pain, pins and needles in the arms, and difficulty concentrating.

Whiplash often feels worse 24–72 hours after the accident than it did initially, which is why early assessment is important. Evidence shows that staying gently active and starting structured physiotherapy early leads to better long-term outcomes than rest alone. We treat whiplash injuries under CTP (compulsory third party) motor vehicle insurance, NIISQ, WorkCover and private health.

Common types of headaches we treat

• Cervicogenic headaches - headaches that originate from the neck. Often felt as a dull, one-sided ache that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward. These are some of the most under-recognised headaches — and the most responsive to physiotherapy.

 

• Tension-type headaches - the most common type of headache, often described as a tight band around the head, pressure across the forehead, or aching at the back of the head and neck. Frequently linked to muscle tension, posture, stress and poor sleep.

 

• Migraines - typically more intense, often one-sided, sometimes throbbing, and frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or visual disturbance. Recent research has shown that the upper neck plays a significant role in migraine for many people, and physiotherapy assessment of this region can be a game-changer for sufferers who feel they’ve tried everything.

 

• Mixed headaches - many people experience a combination of the above. A skilled physio assessment can identify which contributors are most relevant to you.

The Watson Headache® Approach
Our Pimpama physiotherapist Jacky Chiang has trained in the Watson Headache® Approach — a specific, evidence-based method of assessing and treating the upper neck for people with persistent headaches and migraines. The approach uses a precise examination of the top three vertebrae (C1–C3) to determine whether the neck is contributing to your headaches, and to apply targeted treatment if it is.

Jacky Chiang attended the Watson Headache® Institute Level 1 Foundation Headache Course titled “Cervicogenic Headache and The Role of C1–C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” presented by Dr Dean H Watson PhD, Australian Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. The course was held offline, 9th–11th August 2019, in Sydney, Australia. For further information, go to: www.WatsonHeadacheInstitute.com.

The course was based on the Watson Headache® Approach, a protocol for the skilled assessment and management of the upper cervical (neck) spine in Cervicogenic and Primary Headache, and related conditions in which the underlying dysfunction is sensitisation of the lower brainstem. The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination as well as a comprehensive clinical management system.

How we treat neck pain and headaches
Treatment starts with a thorough examination to determine the cause, then is usually combined with hands-on techniques to settle the joints and muscles down, exercises to restore movement and strength, and practical advice on posture and sleep. For people with stubborn or recurrent symptoms, we look more deeply at upper cervical joints, nerve sensitivity and stress factors. For headache and migraine sufferers, we apply the Watson Headache® Approach where appropriate to assess and treat the upper cervical contribution.

Most people notice meaningful improvement within 4 sessions.