|
||
| Injuries to the Neck Caused by the Sudden
Movement of the Head, Backward, Forward or Sideways, is referred to as
"Whiplash" Many whiplash injuries occur when a car is stopped and occupants are unaware that they are about to be hit from behind. |
|
|
| |
||
| Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in car that is
struck from behind or that collides with another object. When the head is suddenly
jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the
spine and head can be over-stretched or torn. The soft, pulpy discs between spinal
bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal
position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can
get stretched and irritated. While the occupants can suffer considerable soft tissue
injury, the car may be only slightly damaged. The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulders, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and even low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months later. The chiropractic approach to these types of injuries is to use specific chiropractic adjustments to help return spinal function. After a thorough case history and examination, the doctor will recommend a series of visits to help restore proper motion and position of spinal bones. If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized. Consult a Doctor of Chiropractic before enduring constant headaches, depending upon addictive pain medication, or submitting to surgery! |
||
Textbook Normal |
Loss of Curve |
A common result of acceleration/deceleration injuries is the loss of the normal forward curve, causing positive orthopedic and neurological examination findings. |
|
|
