Whiplash at Zero MPH

by Dr. Michelle Bean, DC |

Whiplash is a condition most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents where the head and neck are “snapped” in a manner resembling the snapping of a whip. The mechanism of injury has been extensively studied and although it is known that the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck can be injured, as in a sprain/strain, the real culprit causing chronic symptoms are the joints of the bones in the neck and their discs. During whiplash the neck forms an abnormal S-shaped curve, similar to a snapping of a whip. This causes the head to snap back and the jaw to be thrust forward. The total amount of motion of the entire head and neck is irrelevant to the severity of injury. It is the abnormal motion that occurs between the bones that has the potential to injure the structures of the spine. In fact, this abnormal motion can occur in low impact collisions where the change in speed can be as little as 5 mph.

Initial injury to muscles and ligaments heal in 6-8 weeks, however, delayed or unaddressed treatment to the joints in the spine can lead to adhesions and scarring around the joints, persistent muscle spasm, fibrosis of muscles due to faulty biomechanics, and eventual adhesions of the nerve roots. All of these changes can cause chronic conditions that will persist long after the initial accident including neck pain/tension, shoulder pain, headaches/migraines, arm pain/numbness and weakness, dizziness, fatigue, depression, visual disturbances, pain behind the eye, jaw pain, and many others.

Ironically, the same mechanism that creates whiplash in less than 0.005 seconds, can be created at ZERO MPH, over a prolonged period of time. Whiplash at zero mph is a result of poor posture. When we slump while seated it causes our shoulders to roll forward and the mid-back to round out, the head and neck are pushed forward. In an attempt to maintain balance we automatically extend the head back even further causing that abnormal S-shaped curve of the neck as seen in sudden whiplash. Only now we maintain this posture hours on end and day after day. Overtime this will result in muscle lengthening adaptations and altered normal biomechanics. The body continues to compensate by restricting motion of injured muscles and joints. All these changes cause secondary myofascial pain that leads to referred pain typically in the neck, shoulders, and between the shoulder blades. Initially most people will experience this as that stress or tension in the neck and shoulders that we all know too well. However, it’s important to remember that this tension is usually a secondary symptom at this point. The main cause is an alteration in posture creating adhesions around the joints of the spine.

Whether your injuries are the result of a whiplash occurring at 40 mph, 10 mph, or zero mph, it is important to address the injuries that occur within the neck. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in restoring normal posture, muscle tone, and motion of the spine.

References:

1. Dreyer SJ, Boden SD. Non-operative Treatment of Neck and Arm Pain. Spine, 1998; 23(24):2746-2754
2. Seletz, E. MD. Whiplash Injuries: Neurophysiological Basis for Pain and Methods Used for Rehabilitation. Journal of the American Medical Association, 1958; Nov29 (1750-1755)
3. Bogduk, N., Schofferman, J., Slosar, P. Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated: An evidence-based approach. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2007; 15(10): 596-606
4. Gun GT, Osti OL, O’Riordan AM, Mpelasoka F, Eckerwall CGM, Smyth JF. Risk Factors for Prolonged Disability After Whiplash Injury: A Prospective Study. Spine, 2005; 30(4): 386-391
5. Hartliing L, Pickett W, Brison RJ, Derivation of a clinical decision rule for whiplash associated disorders among individuals involved in rear-end collisions. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 2002; 34(4): 531-539

For more info, contact Dr. Michelle C Bean NUCCA Chiropractor at Precision Spinal Care at (775) 823-9550.