Whiplash injury of the head and neck is caused by a sudden exaggerated thrust
of the head backward (extension), forward (flexion) and sometimes sideward (lateral flexion). Abnormal forces are applied
to the following as the weighty head moves beyond normal physiological limits.
Blood Vessels.
Bones.
Eyes.
Intervertebral Discs.
Ligaments.
Muscles.
Nerves.
There
may be no visible bruises or abrasions from this type of injury yet motor vehicle accident victims report classis symptoms.
The symptoms are due to injuries of vertebrae (bones of the spinal column) and of soft tissues of the head and neck.
SYMPTOMS
Headache.
Dizziness.
Light-Headedness.
Neck Pain.
Numbness.
Tingling.
Pain Between The Shoulder Blades.
Back Pain.
Rib Pain.
Low Back Pain.
Shoulder Pain.
Arm Pain.
Forearm Pain.
HYPEREXTENSION
The head is forced backward in hyperextension causing the following
anatomical and physiological signs and symptoms.
1. Pieces of bone may be pulled from cervical
(neck) vertebrae by a tear of the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament.
2. Spinous processes
of the vertebrae may be fractured.
3. Intervertebral disks may be compensated posteriorly
and torn anteriorly.
4. Vertebral arteries may be stretched, pinched or torn causing an impediment
to blood flow to the brain.
5. Nerves of the cervical sympathetic chain may also be injured.
HYPERFLEXION
The head is propelled in a forward and
downward motion in hyperflexion causing the following anatomical and physiological signs and symptoms.
1. A
wedge shaped deformity of the bone may be created if the anterior portion of the vertebrae are crushed.
2. Intervertebral disks may be damaged.
3. The disks may bulge or herniated
irritating spinal nerves.
HYPEREXTENSION INJURIES
ARTERY
1. The Vertebral Artery.
BONE(S)
1. The Vertebrae of the
spine may slip out of normal alignment and/or fracture.
LIGAMENT(S)
1. The Anterior Longitudinal Ligament,
running vertically along the anterior surface of the vertebrae.
2. The Broad Ligamentum Nuchae.
SPINAL LIGAMENT(S)
1. The Interspinous Ligament.
2. The Intervertebral Disc.
MUSCLE(S)
1. The Scalene Muscles.
2. The Splenius Capitis Muscle.
3. The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle.
NERVE(S)
1. The Brachial Plexus.
2. The Brain.
3. The Cervical Sympathetic Chain.
4. The Spinal Cord.
HYPERFLEXION INJURIES
ARTERY
1. The Vertebral Artery
BONE(S)
1. The Spinous Processes of the Vertebrae
fracture or brake off.
LIGAMENT(S)
1. The Interspinous Ligament.
2. The Ligamentum Nuchae.
3. The Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.
SPINAL LIGAMENT(S)
1. The Intervertebral Disc.
2. The Ligamentum Nuchae.
MUSCLE(S)
1. The Trapezius Muscle.
NERVE(S)
1. The Brachial Plexus.
2. The Brain.
3. The Cervical Sympathetic Chain.
4. The Spinal
Cord.
WINDPIPE
1. The Esophagus may even be injured as it scrapes against sharp edges of arthritic bone
or is pinched between vertebrae.
TREATMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
1. History of motor vehicle accident as related by
the patient.
2. Consultation
between doctor of chiropractic and patient.
3. Chiropractic
orthopedic and neurological examination.
4. X-rays
of upper spine, lower spine and if necessary upper extremities and/or lower extremities.
5. M.R.I. or CAT Scan if necessary.
6. Diagnosis.
7. Treatment plan which consists of;
A) Chiropractic
Adjustment(s).
B) Kinetic Therapy.
C) Cryotherapy.
D) Moist Heat (Hot Packs).
E)
Ultra-Sound.
F) Myofascial Release.
G) Neuro-Muscular Re-Education.
H) Transcutaneous Electric
Nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S.).
I) Therapeutic Massage.
J) Exercise(s) - Spinal & Extremities.
K) Braces.
8.
Treatment Duration.
A) Mild to Moderate
Whiplash - 8 To 12 Weeks.
B) Moderate
to Severe Whiplash - 12 To 16 Weeks.
C)
Severe Whiplash - 16 Weeks And/Or Surgery.
9.
Treatment Schedule.
A) 3 - 4 Times Per
Week For 2 - 4 Weeks.
B) 2 - 3 Times Per
Week For 2 - 4 Weeks.
C) 1 - 2 Times Per
Week For 2 - 4 Weeks.
