The dictionary defines whiplash as "an injury to the cervical spine caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward." Before the days of high speed travel with the inevitable sudden, jerking stops, the term whiplash referred to the action of a horse whip - the quick, undulating crack, set in motion with a snap and within seconds going slack once more. But in the case of the human neck as a w
hip, the snap in that wrenching split second may cause long-term damage. Picture sitting in an automobile, the body motionless within the moving vehicle. Then comes the sudden impact, or the extra sudden push when struck from behind.
The weight of the body, through the law of physics called inertia, resists the impact and remains essentially motionless. But the weight of the head atop the highly mobile neck snaps forward, with severe strain placed on the delicate mechanisms of the neck and upper spine. The generic term for any of several resulting injuries we call whiplash.
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The neck is comprised of seven individual small bones collectively known as the cervical spine. The neck provides full support to the head, which contains twenty-one bones of its own and has an average weight of fourteen pounds.
The bones of the neck are arranged in a precise pattern and structure to support the head. A delicate curvature must be maintained at all times to allow a clear channel for the passage of the vital spinal cord which travels through the center of the neck bones, and the equally important nerves which exit the cord in between these bones. The curve of the neck also plays a part in determining the overall shape and structure of the rest of the spine, affecting the entire skeleton and its ability to maintain balance.
The sudden jarring crack of whiplash may cause injury, from moderate to severe, to the intricate bones and muscles of the cervical spine.
When the bones of the neck move out of normal position, it causes a restriction in the opening between them, where the nerve and blood vessels are passing through. This may result in an irritation to the nerves and interfere with nerve transmission and blood supply vital to body function. The so-called pinching of nerves may cause reduced function, or depending on severity, complete dysfunction of the area of the body governed by the impulses from the affected nerve.
If the whiplash causes constriction of the blood supply to any area of the body, a variety of problems may result. Indeed, pinched nerves and/or constricted blood supply may masquerade as a number of illnesses; in this case, the organ supplied is signaling its distress.
Anytime a person drives while fatigued, or when tense, the possibility of severe whiplash is compounded. Tension keeps muscles shortened, tight and highly susceptible to injury. Fatigue and the resultant slackening of muscle tone may also lead to a heightened possibility for injury.
Often, symptoms from a whiplash injury can develop quickly. However, a person who has suffered a whiplash injury may not notice symptoms until hours, days or even weeks later. Therefore, it is wise to visit a doctor or chiropractor even after a minor accident.
The chiropractor is a health care specialist for problems relating to the spine and nerves. Early detection of problems helps assure return to the delicate balance of the cervical spine and the body it serves.
A doctor of chiropractic will make a thorough examination, including the use of x-rays and clinical laboratory tests. Following evaluation, the chiropractor will make the necessary delicate spinal adjustments to correct any misalignment of vertebrae, also alleviating pinching of nerves or constriction of blood supply to the body.
A simple understanding of chiropractic principles contributes to a relaxed and confident attitude toward adjustment, greatly enhancing its success.
Beyond providing specific treatment, the doctor of chiropractic can help you in health maintenance by teaching you to be more aware of your role in preventing spinal problems through proper exercise and diet, and learning techniques to relieve tension and stress which could help minimize future whiplash injuries.
Do not put off an early visit to your doctor of chiropractic following any accident!
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