FAQs about Whiplash
A whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck are thrown very quickly in one direction and then rebounds in the opposite direction.
Because the second, snapping motion happens faster then the spinal structure can recover, the muscles, ligaments, and bones in the neck are damaged. This type of injury can also occur in hard falls and diving accidents.
The greatest amount of injury in a typical rear-end collision is from the shifting about of the victim’s spine. The more the vehicle is accelerated and propelled forward, the more “whipping” action occurs.
Studies indicate that injury can occur at impact speeds of 8 mph where there is little or even no damage to the car. Even in these types of accidents, the head can receive up to 2 1/2 times more force than the car itself.
When the head is rotated (as in talking to someone) or inclined, (as it may be looking up and out through the rear view mirror), the severity of the injury increases substantially.
If I had a whiplash in the past, but feel OK, is it still necessary for me to be examined by a Chiropractor?
Although symptoms may not be present now, an untreated whiplash injury is likely to develop into disc degeneration and arthritis later.If I was in an accident and felt some discomfort in my neck and shoulder. I went to the emergency room for x-rays and was told by the resident that I was OK, and my pain would go away in a couple of days. Later I found out that I have a whiplash injury. Why didn’t the E. R. discover my injury?
Injuries to the soft tissues in the neck are not apparent in standard x-rays or medical exams. MRI studies often show extensive traumas that were missed on x-ray. In order to effectively diagnose a whiplash injury you need to seek the help of professionals specifically trained in soft tissue damage as it relates to the neck and back. Chiropractic Physician, Physical Medicine & Rehab physicians and Pain management physicians have been trained to successfully diagnose and treat these types of injuries.