5 Facts About Whiplash,
A Te Puke Chiropractor’s Perspective

By Dr. David Guest
Structural Chiropractor

1) Pain is not the only symptom

Although neck and/or shoulder pain is the most common symptom associated with whiplash injury, other symptoms may include headaches, neck swelling, muscle spasms, numbness or tingling into your arms, nausea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be present immediately after an accident or they may slowly begin to develop over hours or even days.

2) Injury may occur at speeds less than 5mph

It's hard to believe that at such slow speeds your body may become injured, but researchers recently conducted low speed rear impact tests and concluded that 29% of people developed symptoms related to whiplash at speeds of just 2.5mph!!! Yes, you read that right, 2.5mph! Furthermore, it has been shown that a 10mph rear end collision can produce up to 9G's of force in your neck! Keep in mind, the speed of the collision does not correlate to the degree of injury your body may sustain.

3) During impact your neck is forced into an unnatural S curve

The 7 vertebrae of the neck normally combine to form a 38 degree curve called the cervical lordosis. Biomechanical studies have shown that during a rear-end collision the torso is forced back into the seat and at the same time moves upward causing the lower cervical vertebrae to move into hyperextension while the upper cervical vertebrae flex forward. It is believed that it is during this time that injury occurs in the neck as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are being strained to hold the vertebrae against opposing forces.

4) X-rays are usually negative for fracture

Advancements in seat and headrest design have helped to diminish the number of serious head and neck injuries resulting from rear-end collisions. Although x-rays are usually negative for fractures of the cervical spine, a common finding associated with whiplash injuries is a straightening of the cervical curve. This can be due to persistent muscle spasm and is usually associated with pain. Have a trained medical professional exam you after an accident and decide if X-rays are indicated.

On the right is an X-ray of a normal cervical lordosis, whereas the X-ray on the left shows a decreased lordosis or straightening of the curve, commonly found after a whiplash accident.

5) Structural Chiropractic care can help

Chiropractors are trained to diagnosis and care for many of the injuries that are typically associated with whiplash. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough history and physical examination, may request x-rays or other imaging if necessary, will provide treatment to the soft tissues and joints as necessary, and will teach you proper home care for your injuries.

More than 1 million people suffer whiplash injuries each year and about 10% of those end up with chronic pain that affects their daily activities. Be assured that chiropractic care does offer a positive approach to helping spondylolisthesis cases. For the majority of those checked in our clinic, there has either been a significant overall improvement or it has completely solved the problem. If you or someone you know is suffering needlessly, feel free to call us at (07) 573 9988 for a complimentary consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Dr. David Guest is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Mount Maunganui and Te Puke Chiropractic in the Bay of Plenty.  Dr. Guest focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 17 years. You can reach Dr. Guest at david@mtchiro.co.nz or (07) 573 9988.

Sources:

• Harvard Health Publications, Whiplash, 9/1/2009
• Spine Research Institute of San Diego, www.srisd.com
• Clinical Biomechanics, Cervical Spine Curvature During Simulated Whiplash, Volume 19, Issue 1, January 2004
• American Journal of Medicine, Whiplash: A Review of a commonly Misunderstood Injury, June 1 2001