Whiplash

“Neck injury or whiplash injury are the most commonly reported vehicle injury accounting for 40 percent of all injuries.” Royal Auto. Aug 2000.

Did you know that even “fender benders” can cause injuries that can develop into pain, headaches and arthritis. Even worse most people who have been involved in an car accident may not even know that they have been hurt.

WHAT IS A WHIPLASH INJURY ?

• During a collision, which takes place in the same time as a snap of your finger, your head is thrown around so forcibly and quickly that the body does not have time to respond.
• The excessive movements cause tearing to occur in the muscles, ligaments, and disc and facet joints. The vertebrae become misaligned, and the curves in the spine are often altered.

DO I HAVE A WHIPLASH INJURY ?

• Even “fender benders” can damage the health of your spine and body.
• A big danger with whiplash injuries is that a large percentage of victims are unaware that damage has occurred. The symptoms may take days, weeks or even months to appear.
• The most common symptoms are; headache, neck pain, dizziness, shoulder pain, jaw pain, and arm pain.
• More severe symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances and blackouts.
• Women account for 60 % of whiplash injuries. This is believed to be related to less muscular support in the neck

WHY SHOULD I GET CHIROPRACTIC CARE ?

• Accumulated literature suggests that "43 % of patients will suffer long term symptoms following a whiplash injury".
• A study published in the International Journal of the Care of the Injured found that 93% of whiplash injuries improve with chiropractic care. The study also indicated that “no conventional treatment has proven to be effective”.
• The incidence of degenerative arthritis in the spine increases dramatically following a whiplash injury.
• But a stiff and painful neck may be the least of your worries. Once the nerves become irritated your nervous system will suffer and therefore your general health can be compromised.
• The sooner the you receive chiropractic care, the better your outcome.

HOW CAN CAR DESIGN MINIMISE WHIPLASH INJURY?

• A heavier car with well designed crumple zones help to reduce the forces of impact.
• A stiffer seat also helps to reduce the forces of impact directed at the neck.
• Make sure the top of your headrest is as high as the top of your head