Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries occur when a person's spine (usually the neck) is unexpectedly or suddenly thrown in one direction and then the other. Studies show that a large percentage of whiplash sufferers (up to 88%) may continue to suffer pain and some amount of disability for years after the accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, whiplash damage can range from barely noticeable stiffness to death. In the case of whiplash, painkillers, muscle relaxants, sedative and physical therapy cannot re-align the vertebrae - this can only be achieved through Chiropractic.
In almost all whiplash-type injuries the spine is thrown first in one direction and then is pulled in the opposite direction because the muscles react to the initial injury by pulling or rebounding in the opposite direction. The rebound can and often does cause injury to your soft tissues - muscles, ligaments, tendons and other tissues. Occasionally a whiplash injury can results from side-to-side motion of the neck, also called left and right lateral hyperflexion. There is more to whiplash than being thrown forward and backward. Usually the head is turned to the right or left a little when an accident occurs and this can complicate the effects of the injury.
Whiplash symptoms may start as neck soreness or stiffness, perhaps accompanied by a headache immediately or within a few hours of the accident. Along with these symptoms there may be pain and/or numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling between the shoulder blades, arm and hand. Some people may experience ear ringing, dizziness or even hearing loss. Sometimes the eyes can be affected and there may be pain behind the eyeballs, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or other visual symptoms. Occasionally, there may be tearing or running of the nose.
Not only whiplash but any kind of accident may cause the vertebral subluxation complex where the vertebrae (spinal bones) are out of proper alignment and "impinging" or irritating spinal nerves. Painkillers, muscle relaxers, sedatives or physical therapy cannot re-align the vertebrae and relieve the nervous system from pressure. What is needed is chiropractic care to re-align the spinal column.
[Case Studies: Gargan, M.F., J of Bone and Joint Surgery, Sept 1990]
