Auto Accidents and Whiplash

Auto accidents are very common. Almost everyone has either been in an accident or knows someone who has. What most people don't know is that even very minor accidents can cause significant injuries to the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the neck and upper back.

According to the physical laws of nature, a body in motion wants to stay in motion, and a body at rest wants to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. When you are in your automobile, you are the body. The auto that strikes you (or which you strike) is the outside force.

Whiplash is the injury that occurs as a result of the rapid change in speed or direction and the sudden return to a stop, which usually occurs in an auto accident.

Because your head is relatively free floating, when your car is struck (let's say from behind) your car and your body are propelled forward. Your head stays where it is until the tension from the stretching of your neck pulls it forward. When your body stops, your head continues to move forward until, once again, stopped by your neck. This is referred to as rapid acceleration/deceleration. The uncontrolled whipping forward and backward of your head causes stretching and tearing of the tissues that hold your spine together and support your head. This stretching and tearing of the tissues releases fluids into the area and causes inflammation and pain.

Because you are excited by the accident, your body releases certain chemicals (adrenalin, enkephalins, etc.) that can hide the pain symptoms for days or weeks, so many people don't realize their problem is related to the accident. That's why it's important to be checked by a qualified Chiropractor as soon as possible after an auto accident to be sure your injuries are identified and treated, if necessary.