The most common injury as a result of Auto Accidents is whiplash. What is Whiplash? This is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism that transmits energy to the neck. Or, to put it another way, whiplash is a mechanism that can be caused by sports injuries, pushing, diving in pools and so on. Whiplash is the most common injury in car accidents.
Generally this issue occurs when a collision generates a sudden rapid movement of the head in the form of whip, i.e., moving forward (hyperflexion), back (hyperextension), or both, which may result, depending on the impact, to injuries of the structures of the neck structures, such as muscles, ligaments, joints, etc. This, especially considering that the head is supported by the cervical vertebrae, can be described in one fantastic way: the action is the same as the result of dropping a bowling ball on a broomstick. What are the symptoms though?
Although whiplash symptoms depend on the severity of the injury, your local chiropractor will say the main ones are:
1. Pain in the neck and head. Generally it becomes more intense as time passes.
2. Inflammation in the area, which affects neck mobility.
3. Contracture or muscle tension.
4. Discomfort in the arms, shoulder and back.
5. Dizziness and nausea.
What are the types of whiplash? There are different ways of classifying this medical problem, but the most accepted by international medical protocols is as follows: Grade I involves mild pain and muscle spasms and possible limitation of mobility. Patients will have normal radiographs, though. Grade II denotes moderate pain and muscle spasms, and a limitation of mobility. On radiographs, the Chiropractor will usually see a correction of the normal curvature of the cervical spine (lordosis). Grade III involves severe pain, severe muscle contracture, physical disability, etc. The radiographs will show a reversal of the lordosis. Grade IV covers fractures and dislocations with neurological injury (occurs in less than 2% of Auto Accidents).
The damage from spinal nerve stress may take months or even years to appear. A simple Chiropractic exam and proper treatment can save an accident victim from much pain and disability. Visit ftcampbellchiro.com for more details.