What causes whiplash? A whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck is thrown very quickly in one direction and then rebounds in the opposite direction, otherwise known as a deceleration type injury. This motion causes damage to the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck resulting in vertebral subluxations. If severe enough, it may cause a contra-cous concussion, creating petechial hemorrhaging in the lining of the brain.
Research has shown that a low impact collision of 10 mph can cause whiplash injuries. Even in these types of accidents, the head can receive up to 250% more force than the car itself. While the car might only be slightly damaged the tissue damage can be extensive. Whiplash can also occur from sports injuries and falls.
Neck pain is the number one symptom; however, some patients experience numbness in their shoulder blades and arms, headaches and / or blurred vision. Difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears and dizziness also possible. Whiplash injuries are not self healing and without proper correction symptoms will persist.
Whiplash injury victims are often asymptomatic for months and even years after their initial injury. Scar tissue from the original injury causes joint restriction resulting in an accelerated rate of spinal degenerative arthritis and then pain. You can prevent this downward spiral of health by early detection of spinal subluxations. Subluxations are misalignments of the spinal bones, which, if left uncorrected, may lead to nerve interference and a myriad of internal health problems.
References:
1. Chiropractic
