Whiplash
It is alarming to realize that two out of every five driving-aged people will experience a car accident each year. Out of six million injuries due to car accidents, three million are whiplash related injuries. Whiplash is a non-medical term first used in 1928, and was called “railway spine” before then to describe injuries that occurred in train accidents. A whiplash describes a range of injuries to the neck caused by or related to a sudden distortion of the neck. “Cervical acceleration-deceleration describes the mechanism of the injury while the term whiplash associated disorder describes the injury sequelae and symptoms.” — medicine.net.com
Fortunately, the experience of a whiplash is not usually life threatening, but it should not be ignored. Seeking medical evaluation is important and the chiropractic approach using specific adjustments will restore proper motion and normal spinal function. Too many people ignore the symptoms, and suffer from constant headaches and depend on addictive pain medications, or even submit to needless surgery.
When the head is suddenly jerked either forward or back, back and forward, or side to side, the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue supporting the spine and head can be overstretched, irritated or torn. According to Dr. Joshua Gale, “The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms, and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems.” Other symptoms include neck pain, numbness in arms and fingers, pain in jaw or face, nausea, ringing in the ears, difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty in swallowing. Whiplash most commonly happens while riding in a car, but it can also occur with contact sports and shaking baby syndrome.
Like with most medical issues, the sooner treatment is pursued the quicker the recovery in order to avoid a chronic condition that can lead to a disability. The type of car you drive may put you at greater risk. When purchasing a car, it is important to consider the size and weight of the vehicle as well as the restraint systems including seatbelts, airbags, and head restraints. Surprisingly, research has shown that no head restraint is safer than one in the low position.
Usually one does not have time to foresee the impact in a car crash, but there are a few things you can do to help protect yourself.
Put your head and neck all the way back so that you are in contact with the head restraint or seat back. Wear a seatbelt at all times while in a car.
Have a good grip on the steering wheel, with arms straight.
Look straight ahead so your neck is not turned.
Push your shoulders up toward your ears and brace yourself.
If you do experience an injury, contact your chiropractor for an evaluation.
It is important to begin treatment immediately, and in addition to contacting your chiropractor, you can begin at home with RICE therapy: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
