Whiplash Symptoms and Treatments
By Debra Rodzinak
A recent study by the Biomechanics Laboratory at Yale University and a study of those involved in real crashes has revealed some surprising findings on whiplash and the cervical spine.
Damage to the Neck
Immediately after impact, an S-shaped curve is created in the cervical spine. Normally, the cervical spine rests in a normal C-shape, but during a violent thrust forward, the S-shape causes the cervical spine to contort. The lower part of the spine bends backward and the upper part moves forward.
When the cervical spine is contorted, the ligaments and discs in the area that move beyond the normal range of motion are injured. Most of the damage done during whiplash occurs to the lower part of the spine.
Protecting the Neck
During a forceful drive to the neck, a stabilization process occurs in the cervical spine in response to the violent thrust. This includes:
- Detection of the presence of the impact through the nervous system
- The nervous system directs the muscles of the cervical spine to contract quickly in order to minimize the affects of the impact on the delicate discs and ligaments
- This quick response to stabilizing the neck following a whiplash incident often protects the discs and ligaments from injury
Factors to Consider
Several factors that determine the amount of damage done to the neck include:
- Posture during an impact
- Overall physical condition of the patient
- Whether or not there was an awareness of the impact
- Gender
Misconceptions About Whiplash
Just because a patient is in a low speed accident does not mean that a whiplash injury will not occur. Studies have found that low impact collisions actually produce a higher impact on the occupants due to the forces not being absorbed by the metal of the vehicle.
Treatment for Whiplash
A chiropractic adjustment that involves a slow mobilizing movement to realign the joints of the neck are used by chiropractors instead of a quick thrust. Each joint in the neck is adjusted according to the amount of injury sustained during the incident.
If you have been involved in an accident and believe you have suffered a whiplash injury, consult your primary physician for a concrete diagnosis. Then, come to The Joint for a gentle spinal adjustment. At The Joint, our expert chiropractic doctors work with you to create a plan of treatment that does not involve drugs or surgery. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, The Joint helps you find pain relief from a whiplash injury.