When Whiplash Strikes

Whiplash — a neck injury that results commonly in automobile accidents, as the result of sudden acceleration followed by abrupt deceleration — is a possible danger for everyone. And, when it does, a multitude of symptoms and conditions can simultaneously occur. When it does, a multitude of symptoms can simultaneously occur.

One-third of car accidents are rear-end collisions. As most of us are aware, the neck is an extremely fragile extremity. Given these facts, it's easy to understand how prevalent whiplash really is. Prior to 1928 and the invention of the automobile, "whiplash" didn't exist. Instead, "railway spine” — a soft-tissue condition associated with train accidents — stood in its place. Because automobiles, and therefore automobile accidents, are increasingly prevalent in today's fast-paced society, the occurrence of whiplash is likewise on the rise.

While sitting in traffic, a driver is relaxed — and therefore unaware of impending threats. When a rear-end accident occurs, the neck is thrown forward, unprepared for the impact of the collision. This transference of energy follows Newton's First Law. During such a collision, if a person is wearing a seatbelt, the body is held stationary while the head — unrestrained by the seatbelt itself — continues forward in motion. After the accident, the head again thrusts backwards, almost like a slingshot. Hyperextension of the neck, which occurs in accidents involving speeds over just 10 miles per hour, causes the majority of the damage.

Fortunately, whiplash is not usually a life-threatening injury. But it can, however, lead to the prolonged disability and/or discomfort. In fact, to substantiate this fact, the United States spends approximately 30 billion dollars each year to treat whiplash or deal with its aftermath — including litigation, sick leave, vehicular damage, etc. It comes as a relief to know that most of the symptoms of whiplash are not serious, and that by and large, sufferers of whiplash have rapid and complete recoveries.

But it isn't always the case. Sometimes a sufferer of whiplash will not understand immediately what it means to his or her long-term health. Several weeks down the line, however, the reality of living with the pain and limited function become apparent.

It has been said that the possibility of monetary compensation in court for their injuries, the accurate documentation of whiplash has suffered. That said, whiplash is of course a very real condition with measurable symptoms — something we should take very seriously. As with other medical fields, modern technology has come to the aid of physicians studying the most effective treatments of whiplash.

Doctors and researchers now use high-speed cameras and other sophisticated tools to show that the neck is not the only part of the spinal column to sustain damage — the cervical spine is also implicated in the injury. This can lead to what's known as an "S" shape in the cervical spine, which is far from its optimal positioning.

It is believed by many doctors that the additional soft-tissue damage that occurs in these injuries is the result of this unhealthy shape, as the ligaments and muscles that support the cervical vertebrae take on undue stress.

If you have been in an automobile accident and have experienced whiplash — that is, whiplash alone, take a deep breath: You are lucky. With the proper care — and with the guidance of your chiropractor — you’ll fully recover. We do not wish to trivialize the experience of whiplash, but perspective is always useful. In a sense, “healing” is the easiest part of recovery; what remains, instead, is the lesson you may have learned about the fragility of life. Take this newfound awareness and perspective forward and allow it to influence all that you do. We only have one body, and one life to walk our bodies through, so it is important to take care of ourselves and each other.