Sarah was a 32-year-old media sales manager who attended the gym three times a week and led an active social life. However, whilst driving to work one morning in 2010 her car was hit forcibly from behind.
Despite being shaken, she thought herself uninjured. But when she woke up the following morning, she had considerable pain her neck, radiating into her shoulders and the upper part of her back. Her doctor said she had whiplash, advising painkillers and rest.
“Having been directed to BLB by a former
client, we were able to arrange local
physiotherapy privately, paid for by
the insurance company of the driver who
was responsible for the accident.”
Despite a little improvement her pain continued, and Sarah’s doctor recommended physiotherapy, although there would be a “considerable waiting” time on the NHS. Having been directed to BLB by a former client, we were able to arrange local physiotherapy privately, paid for by the insurance company of the driver who was responsible for the accident.
Despite some initial improvement, Sarah eventually reached was she described as “a plateau”, after which the pain stopped getting any better. BLB arranged for her to be examined by a consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon who arranged an MRI scan. His findings were that Sarah was suffering from Cervical Spondylosis, also known as Degenerative Osteoarthritis.
“The injury had served to activate a dormant
condition. Without the bump it was likely
that the condition would not have become
‘active’ for about another 10 years.”
This had not been caused by the accident, but the injury had served to activate a dormant condition. Without the bump it was likely that the condition would not have become “active” for about another 10 years. Furthermore, the medical expert also believed that her symptoms were more severe and less amenable to treatment than if they had simply developed with time.
As Sarah’s work was largely desk-based, she was fortunately able to return, although her employer had to modify her work station and allow her more frequent short breaks, as sitting in one position for any length of time would aggravate her symptoms.
“As Sarah’s work was largely desk-based,
she was fortunately able to return,
although her employer had to modify
her work station and allow her more
frequent short breaks.”
Sarah explained: “I’ve had to learn to pace myself. If I’m hoovering, I take a break between rooms. If I’m cooking, I try not to use large saucepans. My partner always did his bit at home but now has to help a lot more. He has to carry the shopping, move furniture and carry the hoover upstairs. I was always very independent, but I’ve had to learn to ask for help and not try to overdo it.”