Whiplash
is a commonly used term for a neck sprain and strain injury caused from
a rear-end automobile collision. When stuck from behind, a
force travels through the vehicle and through the body. This
force
causes the head to be forcefully snapped backwards. A split second
later, there is
a rebound from the acceleration force, which causes the head to snap
forward. This type of trauma is referred to as an
acceleration /deceleration injury to the spine and can result in a
sprain, strain, or fracture of the spine.
In
a whiplash injury, the long ligament that runs down the front of the
neck
is often sprained when the neck is snapped back. However, the most
damaging effect of a whiplash injury comes from the deceleration phase.
This is when the head rebounds and snaps forward and the long ligaments
that run up the back of the vertebrae are usually sprained.
Other ligaments, especially the capsular ligaments between each
vertebra, are also usually damaged during this action. Damage may also
commonly occur to the muscles of the neck and in some cases, the discs
may become damaged or herniated.
Collision
studies have shown that the greatest degree of stress in a whiplash
injury
occurs between the 4th and 5th vertebrae when the neck is snapped back
and between the 5th and 6th vertebrae when the neck snaps forward. If
the neck was turned to one side, the extent of the injury is usually
worsened, as shear force and torque (rotational force) is added.
The
degree of injury from a whiplash accident is determined by a variety of
factors. The types of vehicles involved, speed, seat and headrest
construction, whether the vehicle from behind applied the brakes before
the collision (decreases the force) whether the vehicle in front had
the brakes applied when it was struck (increases the force) are just a
few of these factors. Also, each injured person’s height,
age, and current state of health (including any prior injuries to the
neck)
all play an important role in determining the extent of the physical
damage.
The full effect of the damage
from a whiplash
injury may not be experienced until one to three days after the
accident. This is primarily due to two known factors. The first factor
is adrenaline. Large amounts of a hormone called adrenaline are
released into the body when an accident occurs. The affects of
adrenaline and the effects of shock may make many people initially
unaware of a neck injury. The second factor is that for the first 72
hours, the body responds to the injury with a barrage of chemicals.
These chemicals create swelling and in the presence of swelling comes
stiffness, and pain. This is why it is important not to state you are
fine immediately after an automobile accident that snaps you head
about. It is important to seek care immediately and have yourself
examined for a whiplash injury.
Early
treatment is
essential to help control the swelling process. Preferably, care should
be obtained within the first six hours after the injury. If you have
been in an automobile accident and were not taken to a hospital, you
should request an emergency appointment from your Doctor of
Chiropractic. Your chiropractor can instruct you on the proper use of
ice, rest, and other measures to reduce the swelling immediately.
Ultrasound treatments or therapy with passive range of motion to the
cervical spine may be started after a diagnosis of cervical sprain and
strain (whiplash) is obtained.
With
early chiropractic
treatment, several advantages are gained. For the first 24 to 72
hours, a natural swelling process occurs. Treatment during this phase
reduces the amount of swelling. This improves your chance for a more
rapid and better recovery. Corrective measures are also
easier to apply if the initial phase of swelling is handled properly
through
early treatment
There are long-term
advantages to early treatment as well. One major advantage is the
decreased risk of
arthritis forming in the joints. Joint arthritis in the neck, called
degenerative joint disease, can occur if the swelling in the joints
remains too long or if the tissue damage cannot be adequately repaired.
Chiropractors treat thousands of neck
injury cases
each year. Your chiropractor can help determine the extent of your neck
injury through examination and x-ray. A course of treatment can then be
outlined to help in the recovery process. Chiropractic treatment can
help reduce the initial swelling, aid in the removal of metabolic
products that are created when tissue is injured, and help restore
proper function to the cervical spine and neck muscles.