A motor vehicle accident can be very traumatic, but the effects of such an injury can be longer lasting than initially assumed. The Second Law of Motion states that if an unbalanced force acts on a body, that body will experience acceleration ( or deceleration), that is, a change of speed. This is what causes whiplash, an event that accelerates our neck at violent speeds, injuring the upper back, lower and upper neck as the rest of our body stays somewhat motionless. At impact, our body braces itself, reducing normal range of motion. However, the force of impact, as described by Newton, flexes and extends the neck beyond its normal range, thus injuring tissue and causing acute and eventual chronic symptoms. Especially since it only takes 5 mph to create whiplash in an adult male.
Symptoms are often not experienced immediately after the injury, thus lessening the patient's initial assessment of the severity during the whiplash event. However, symptoms begin to appear a few days after the injury, usually affecting the neck, upper back and head. Most people experience a few of these symptoms, and some experience all of them
1) Tension headaches
2) Pain at the base of the skull
3) Neck pain or soreness
4) Upper back pain
5) Pain in the shoulder blade regions
6) Chest pain (due to seat belt straining anterior rib joints), often on the left side
7) Lower back and hip pain
8) Dizziness/Vertigo
9) Loss of normal range of motion, or stiffness
The best course of treatment is through Chiropactic Neurology care and Physical Rehabilitation. Reducing inflammation is key to long term success. The vertebrae of the spine must regain proper biomechanics (motion), thus reducing inflammation and the potential for future osteoarthritis. Strengthening of the larger muscle groups is necessary, but even more important is the retraining and strengthening of the spinal stabilizers that are most damaged during any whiplash event.
If you experience a motor vehicle accident make sure you follow these steps:
Symptoms are often not experienced immediately after the injury, thus lessening the patient's initial assessment of the severity during the whiplash event. However, symptoms begin to appear a few days after the injury, usually affecting the neck, upper back and head. Most people experience a few of these symptoms, and some experience all of them
1) Tension headaches
2) Pain at the base of the skull
3) Neck pain or soreness
4) Upper back pain
5) Pain in the shoulder blade regions
6) Chest pain (due to seat belt straining anterior rib joints), often on the left side
7) Lower back and hip pain
8) Dizziness/Vertigo
9) Loss of normal range of motion, or stiffness
The best course of treatment is through Chiropactic Neurology care and Physical Rehabilitation. Reducing inflammation is key to long term success. The vertebrae of the spine must regain proper biomechanics (motion), thus reducing inflammation and the potential for future osteoarthritis. Strengthening of the larger muscle groups is necessary, but even more important is the retraining and strengthening of the spinal stabilizers that are most damaged during any whiplash event.
If you experience a motor vehicle accident make sure you follow these steps:
1) Ice as quickly as possible for 10-15 min/hr, 3-4 times per day if possible
2) If it is recommended by medical professionals on scene, please get an x-ray.
3) Call your Chiropractic Neurologist and begin treatment as soon as possible to create best possible outcome.
2) If it is recommended by medical professionals on scene, please get an x-ray.
3) Call your Chiropractic Neurologist and begin treatment as soon as possible to create best possible outcome.
