back to list Whiplash Most individuals involved in rear-end collisions later experience symptoms in the low back, shoulder area, neck region and in the head. Although most of these people recover quickly, a small number develop chronic conditions that result in severe pain and sometimes disability. Signs and symptoms. Diagnosis and Treatment. In the past, whiplash injuries were often treated with immobilization in a cervical collar. However, the current trend is toencourage early movement, rather than immobilization. This helps to prevent excessive adhesions that can occur in the healing process. Ice may be applied for the first 48 hours, followed by gentle active movement. The exact treatment that is needed depends on the extent of damage, which structures, ligaments, muscles, tendons, discs, were injured and how long after the injury care was initiated. The longer after the accident occurs, the longer care may be needed. This is due to the amount of adhesions between tissues that can occur which limit range of motion and increase localized tenderness, aches and pain. As was described in the example above, Unfortunately, injuries to the ankle, pelvis, shoulder and TMJ can all cause increased muscle tension in the neck and confuse the person trying to help you with your injury. Only examining all of the different areas that may be injured and determining if they have been affected, then directing treatment to the injured structures, returns you as quickly Remember, the longer care is delayed, the more you increase your chances of not recovering fully.
You are stopped at an intersection when the car behind you rear-ends your vehicle. The impact of the accident pushes your car forward. It takes about 100 milliseconds for your body to catch up to the forward movement of your head. Your shoulders travel forward until they are under your head, and your neck extends forward as your head tilts slightly down toward your steering wheel. The seat belt engages and holds your left shoulder back and restricts the neck muscles on the left side of your neck. You open your mouth in surprise and your jaw is twisted as your head is twisted. You lock your arms on the steering wheel and force your arm bone back into your shoulder joint. You step on the brakes, bringing the car to an abrupt halt and force your pelvis back on the side you brake with. The sudden stop throws your head and neck backward, and they bounce against the headrest. In a matter of seconds, you’ve experienced the classic mechanism of injury in an auto accident.
People who experience whiplash may develop one or more of the following symptoms,
usually within the first two days after the accident:
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder or between the
shoulder blades
• Low back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue“In a matter of seconds, you’ve experienced the
classic mechanism of injury in an auto accident.”
How whiplash injuries occur is clearly understood, but the extent and type of injuries vary greatly. The diagnosis of whiplash is often one of exclusion. Most injuries are to soft tissues such as the disks, muscles and ligaments, and cannot be seen on standard X-rays. Accurate and specific muscle testing is one of the best ways to determine which structures have been injured.
treatment may need to be directed to:
• The pelvis due to the forces exerted on it
when you brake
• The ankle and foot due to twisting while
braking
• The shoulder from forces jamming the
joint as you hold the steering wheel
• The wrist from holding the steering wheel
• The neck from a whiplash type injury
• The TMJ - jaw joint - from your jaw
being twisted as your head snaps forward
and backward“The longer after the accident occurs,
the longer care may be needed.”
as possible to a pre-injury state.
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