Whiplash is a non-medical term for a condition that occurs
when the neck and head move rapidly forwards and backwards or, sideways, at a
speed so fast our neck muscles are unable to stop the movement from
happening. This sudden force results in
the normal range of motion being exceeded and causes injury to the soft tissues
(muscles, tendons and ligaments) of the neck. Classically, whiplash is
associated with car accidents or, motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) but can also
be caused by other injuries such as a fall on the ice and banging the head,
sports injuries, as well as being assaulted, including “shaken baby syndrome.”
The History Of Whiplash. The term “Whiplash”
was first coined in 1928 when pilots were injured by landing airplanes on air
craft carriers in the ocean. Their heads were snapped forwards and back as they
came to a sudden stop. There are many synonyms for the term “whiplash”
including, but not limited to, cervical hyperextension injury,
acceleration-deceleration syndrome, cervical sprain (meaning ligament injury)
and cervical strain (meaning muscle / tendon injury). In spite of this, the
term “whiplash” has continued to be used usually in reference to MVCs.
Why Whiplash Occurs. As noted previously,
we cannot voluntarily stop our head from moving beyond the normal range of
motion as it takes only about 500 milliseconds for whiplash to occur during a
MVC, and we cannot voluntarily contract our neck muscles in less than 800-1000
msec. The confusing part about whiplash is that it can occur in low speed
collisions such as 5-10 mph, sometimes more often than at speeds of 20 mph or
more. The reason for this has to do with
the vehicle absorbing the energy of the collision. At lower speeds, there is
less crushing of the metal (less damage to the vehicle) and therefore, less of
the energy from the collision is absorbed.
The energy from the impact is then transferred to the contents inside
the vehicle (that is, you)! This is technically called elastic deformity – when
there is less damage to the car, more energy is transferred to the contents
inside the car. When metal crushes,
energy is absorbed and less energy affects the vehicle's contents (technically
called plastic deformity). This is
exemplified by race cars. When they
crash, they are made to break apart so the contents (the driver) is less
jostled by the force of the collision.
Sometimes, all that is left after the collision is the cage surrounding
the driver.
Whiplash Symptoms. Symptoms can occur
immediately or within minutes to hours after the initial injury. Also, less injured areas may be overshadowed
initially by more seriously injured areas and may only “surface” after the more
serious injured areas improve. The most common symptoms include neck pain,
headaches, and limited neck movement (stiffness). Neck pain may radiate into
the middle back area and/or down an arm.
If arm pain is present, a pinched nerve is a distinct possibility. Also,
mild brain injury can occur even when the head is not bumped or hit. These
symptoms include difficulty staying on task, losing your place in the middle of
thought or sentences and tireness/fatigue.
These symptoms often resolve within 6 weeks with a 40% chance of still
hurting after 3 months, and 18% chance after 2 years. There is no reliable method to predict the
outcome. Studies have shown that early mobilization and manipulation results in
a better outcome than waiting for weeks or months to seek chiropractic
treatment. The best results are found by obtaining prompt chiropractic care.
