WHIPLASH
Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head: backward,
forward,
or sideways, is referred to as whiplash. In most cases, whiplash is received from riding in a car that is struck
from
behind, or collides with another vehicle.
When the head is suddenly
jerked back
and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments
supporting the
spine can be over-stretched or torn. In a rear end collision for
example, the
victim's car is first pushed or accelerated forward and then, because
their
foot is on the brake, or their car hits the vehicle in front, their
car is rapidly
slowed down, or decelerated. As the vehicle accelerates forward, it
pushes the
body forward too, but the head remains behind momentarily, rocking up
and back,
until some of the muscles and ligaments are stretched or torn. Too
often the
injury occurs before the head rebounds off the headrest (Providing
there is
one. If not, the injuries sustained are much worse as there is no
method to
prevent hyperextension from occurring).
What then happens is these muscles, in a reflex action, contract to bring the occupant's head
forward again, and to prevent excessive injury. This overcompensates
because
at this point the head is already traveling in a forward direction as
the car
decelerates. This violently rocks the head forward, stretching and
tearing more
muscles and ligaments. The soft pulpy discs between the vertebrae can
bulge,
tear, or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal
position, reducing
range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots get stretched,
irritated, and
choked. If the victim is not properly restrained the occupants head
may strike
the steering wheel or windshield, possibly causing a concussion.
Basic Whiplash Symptoms:
- Neck pain and/or stiffness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty swallowing
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the arms or legs, feet and hands
- Headache
- Low back pain and/or stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Vertigo
- Numbness and tingling
- Pain in the jaw or face
Whether from a car accident, sports,
or an accident at work, whiplash or other neck injuries warrant a
thorough Chiropractic
check-up. The biggest danger with whiplash injuries is that the
symptoms can
take years to develop. Too often people don't seek treatment until
more serious
complications develop. Even after whiplash victims settle their
insurance claims,
some 45% report they still suffer with symptoms two years later.
Would you want to continue suffering after two years? If you are involved in an accident of any kind where you suffered a whiplash injury, please contact our office so Dr. Brown can evaluate you.
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