Whiplash (Whip Lash):
The term 'whiplash' was first coined in 1928 to describe the condition caused by rear end automobile accidents. Whiplash may produce such symptoms as neck pain, back pain, headache, blurred vision, tinnitus (ringing of the ears), dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, paresthesia, fatigue, jaw pain and numbness.
Whiplash often results from rear end collisions. In this type of collision the head is first forcefully extended (hyperextension) followed by forceful forward bending of the neck (hyper flexion). In this type of impact the head and neck of a driver my be exposed to up to three times the acceleration forces on the automobile. Rear end collisions are also more likely to injure the driver due to the unsuspecting nature of the collision and having no forewarning to brace for impact. Even low speed collisions that produce no vehicle damage are capable of causing whiplash and 8mph has been shown to be the threshold of injury for the occupant of a vehicle. Women also seem to be at higher risk than men due to lighter musculature. Seat belt use has saved many lives but is also often responsible for worsening many of the sprain/strain injuries from whiplash (especially in the hyper flexion phase).
Symptoms of Whiplash
Neck pain is the most common symptom of whiplash. Neck pain may present immediately or be delayed for 72 hours. On some occasions neck pain may be experienced as long as one week after a whiplash. Typically, neck pain is accompanied by muscle spasm of the neck, limited range of motion and tenderness to touch. Damage to the neck muscles is often caused by overstretch and may cause pain and dizziness that may last for months or longer. Damage to the neck muscles themselves is also a potent source of continued neck pain and may cause pain to radiate into the arm. The muscular injuries associated with whiplash often produce a burning pain and can cause localized tender spots in the muscles of the neck. Healing of muscles and tendons is a slow process and may take several months. Myofascial release treatments are often highly effective in treatment of muscle injuries from whiplash. Myofascial release treatments are able to focus on the injured areas of the muscles and reduce adhesion formation and promote faster healing. Preventing adhesions in muscles is one of the most important facets of treatment of whiplash that can prevent long term recurrence of symptoms. Untreated muscular adhesions in the neck my reduce range of motion and lead to long term discomfort and pain.
Headaches are also a common symptom of whiplash and up to 70% of persons who have had a whiplash injury will experience headaches. Headache pain may vary widely and effect one or both sides of the head and may be felt behind the eyes and in the base of the neck. Headaches may be of several types.. The most common type resulting from whiplash is the muscular headache or tension headache which is felt in the forehead, base of the head and behind the eyes. Headache is also the single most common presenting symptom of problems with the joints of the cervical spine.
Shoulder pain is also a common complaint in whiplash. It may result from direct injury or be referred from an injury to the neck. Problems with the rotator cuff may arise secondary to whiplash as well. Often the trapezius muscle is injured and causes extended dull pain in the upper back and shoulders that may take months to resolve.
Lower back pain is another common result of whiplash. Side impact collisions seem to be the most likely to cause injury to the lower back due to the anchoring effect of the lap belt. The lap belt anchors the pelvis while allowing more motion in the lumbar spine which often causes increased sprain/strain injuries to the lumbar spine. It has been estimated that more than 50% of whiplash injuries may also result in pain the lower back.
Dizziness or vertigo is common in whiplash injuries. Dizziness may result from either overstretch injury to the muscles or injury and irritation to the joints of the cervical spine. Overstretch injury to the muscles in the front of the neck (sternocleidomastoid) have been shown to produce dizziness or vertigo. Paresthsia and pain in the arm may also result from whiplash and is often the result of muscle spasms in the side of the neck (the scalene muscles).
Fatigue and general irritability are present in about 90% of cases of whiplash. Fatigue may vary from a sense of mild tiredness to extreme exhaustion, restless sleep or insomnia. Often whiplash sufferers will require more sleep than before the injury.
Treating Whiplash with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for whiplash, and Chiropractors provide the majority of treatment for whiplash injuries. Chiropractors are specialists who focus on the spine and spinal injuries. Chiropractic adjustments reduce spinal splinting caused by injury thereby reducing adhesions and fixations between spinal joints. Untreated adhesions can limit range of motion of injured joints and place more stress on healthy uninjured joints. By reducing fixation in the spine, normal biomechanics are restored which relieves stress on injured segments and provide an environment more conducive to healing and recovery.
Myofascial release treatments are also highly effective in treating muscular injury which is responsible for much of the pain and symptoms of whiplash. Additionally, myofascial release treatment is able to facilitate proper muscle healing and prevent adhesions that may limit range of motion and cause long term complications.
Most people who suffer a whiplash injury are able to recover fully from their injuries. However, a certain percentage of people are left with ongoing symptoms. Some factors such as prior injury or degenerative changes to the joints may complicate and delay recovery. Ideally, treatment of a whiplash injury should begin as soon as possible after the injury but treatment at any stage is beneficial to recovery.
- For less severe injuries that do not damage the joints or limit movement of the neck the treatment guidelines allow for up to 20 treatments over a 10 week period.
- For more severe injuries that effect the nerves, discs or ligaments and limit range of motion up to 76 treatments over a 56 week span can be warranted.
- Response to treatment varies widely by individual based on such factors as age, gender, pre-existing conditions and prior injury.
- Your cost for treatment could be very minimal. Standard auto insurance policies cover Chiropractic care for whiplash injuries and require no out of pocket expense for the injured party.
 
Time for a Visit to the Whiplash Treatment Center (I.e. Etter Chiropractic in Olathe)
If Whiplash is making you miserable and you want to feel better, be pain-free, and have the full range of motion and use of your neck, then please call Dr. Tom Etter at the Olathe Office for Etter Chiropractic.
Dr. Tom Etter will guide you on your road to freedom from pain through a variety of techniques that fit your specific needs.
We help all age ranges and fitness levels to find relief from pain. Please call 913.829.7246 today to set an appt for an initial consultation and exam.
913-829-7246
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