Whiplash Injury

WHIPLASHES, FALLS and LIFTING INJURIES What Is a Whiplash? Whiplash is a collective term used to describe the injuries to the cervical spine (neck). This condition often results from an automobile collision, which suddenly forces the head and neck to whip back and forth(hyperflexion/hyperextension). The neck consists of 7 cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) held together by muscles and ligaments, intervertebral discs (shock absorbers), joints enabling motion, and a system of nerves. The complexity of the neck's anatomy coupled with its diverse range of motion makes it susceptible to whiplash. The symptoms usually result from injury to the neck's soft tissues; the intervertebral discs, muscles, and ligaments. Muscle tears characteristically present with burning pain accompanied by tingling sensations. Ligaments affected by excessive joint movement can cause muscles to defensively tighten limiting motion. 'Wry neck', a condition associated with whiplash, occurs when the neck muscles responsible for head rotation/extension cause the neck to twist involuntarily.

ANATOMY OF THE SPINE Overloading forces result in tearing of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which if untreated results in the formation of scar tissue and adhesions and loss of mobility. The impact can also result in a displacement of the vertebrae of the spine (subluxation) which is a dysfunctional joint causing joint and nerve irritation (pinched spinal nerves). The same mechanism affects the back when you fall or over-exert yourself in a lifting injury. Symptoms of Whiplash Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later. In some cases it may take weeks to note pain. Other symptoms of whiplash may include the following: • Neck stiffness • Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries) • Headache and dizziness (symptoms of a concussion) • Difficulty swallowing and chewing and hoarseness • Abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (this is called paresthesias) • Arm & Shoulder pain • Back pain Lower back injuries result in similar symptoms of stiffness, sore muscles and joints, along with abnormal sensations in the legs, and sciatica at times. Age and pre-existing health conditions (e.g. arthritis) may increase the severity of whiplash. As people age, range of motion declines, muscles lose flexibility and strength, and intervertebral discs and ligaments lose some of their elasticity. These factors make a person more prone to being injured.

WHAT IS THE BEST TREATMENT? Chiropractic combined with physical therapy (PT) is the most appropriate approach to these types of injuries. Chiropractic care utilizes specific joint manipulations (Adjustments) to help normalize joint and spinal function. This is crucial in the beginning phases of healing to bring back proper motion, but return of functional joint motion usually requires 2-3 months of chiropractic care. Physical therapy is also crucial in allowing the body to heal properly beginning about 2-4 weeks post injury and utilizes active care. Active care allows the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) to heal most effectively with minimal scar tissue and physical therapy can take from a few months up to a year to complete the healing process. Here at Life Center we offer all of the modalities needed for proper healing after an injury. We offer: • Ice and heat packs • Ultrasound and Electrical Muscle Stimulation • Range of Motion Exercises • Soft Tissue Massages • Gentle Joint and Spinal Adjustments • Non-Needle Acupuncture • Traction The 3 Phases of Healing There are 3 phases of healing that our bodies must undergo in any type of injury and chiropractic combined with physical therapy is the most effect approach to all soft tissue injuries. The initial phase of healing (Acute Inflammatory Phase) usually lasts 24 to 72 hours and ice (Cryotherapy) and immobilization (Neck Brace) is essential during this phase. The next phase of healing (Regeneration Phase) begins around 3 to 5 days post injury and can last up to 3-6 months. Chiropractic care combined with passive modalities is crucial to achieve maximum improvement of joint function during this phase of healing. This is when damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue (Collagen). Mobilization to the injured joints (chiropractic care) is essential to proper healing during this phase of care. The third and final phase of care (Remodeling Phase) begins about 2 to 4 weeks after the injury and can last longer than 1 year in very severe cases. Remodeling overlaps the regeneration phase of healing and this is when chiropractic and physical therapy is combined. Remodeling is when new tissue (Collagen) begins and continues to strengthens. It is essential to receive therapy 2 to 4 weeks post injury to reduce recovery time during the remodeling phase. Pain, Why Me? Pain is an indicator that a problem within are bodies exists. Without pain our bodies could not tell us that there is an injury and that there is something wrong. Usually the absence of pain and swelling after injury is an exceedingly poor indicator of healing tissue. Most minor to moderate whiplash injuries are overlooked by the patient, the hospital, and even the patient's family medical provider due to the lack of initial pain. One week up to 2 months after the injury, the patient continues to have pain or the pain worsens, is when most people begin to realize that the injury is much worse then they had imagined. Effects of Improper Treatment! Improper treatment of whiplash and soft tissue injuries is a major factor in many patients that finally present themselves to our office. With delayed proper care these patients often have already developed stiffness and scar tissue. Some patients are only given a soft cervical collar by their medical doctor. If this collar is worn too long, the collar itself can further weaken supportive muscles and actually lengthen recovery time. If a muscle, ligament, tendon, or joint is subject to prolonged immobilization after injury or surgery this can have significant and profound negative effects. Most medical doctors prescribe muscle relaxants, pain medications, and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) first and skip chiropractic and physical therapy all together. It is obvious that a team or complimentary approach would be the best way to go. What Should I Do, If I'm In a Car Accident? 1. STOP - DO NOT OBSTRUCT TRAFFIC 2. ASSIST THE INJURED 3. PROTECT THE SCENE - TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURY 4. CALL AN OFFICER - LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT 5. KEEP NOTES - STRICTLY TO YOURSELF 6. ASSIST THE OFFICER - GIVE BASIC FACTS 7. IDENTIFY THE OTHER DRIVER 8. OBTAIN WITNESSES INFORMATION 9. DO NOT LEAVE THE SCENE UNTIL TOLD TO BY THE POLICE 10. SEE A CHIROPRACTOR FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY 11. INFORM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY 12. IF NEEDED, OBTAIN AN ATTORNEY TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS