The most common injury in an automobile accidents is the acceleration/deceleration, most commonly know as whiplash.  It is most common in the neck but can occur in the upper, mid and lower back as well.  Essentially the head accelerates forward then back within a split-second.  In a rear-end accident, the front vehicles passengers will experience a quick minor forward motion before being pushed back towards the headrest before the aggressive forward motion.  This sequence causes an S-curve of the cervical spine(1).  This type of motion can damage the ligaments leading to instability of the spine.  In 2002, research has determined that a major sight for pain are the facet joints of the spine because of the shearing motion put onto them from the acceleration/deceleration of the spine (2).  

This video shows the motion that occurs in the cervical spine during a sudden stop at 5 MPH.

Now that you are done with all your oooo's and ahhh's.  Replay it and watch the motion of the neck.  That is what your neck goes through in the vehicle that rear-ends someone else.  Now imagine the forces that go through your neck if you are the recipient of that accident.

Why should you schedule today?

The sooner you get into the office, the sooner we can start to work towards resolving the damage that you suffered during the accident.  It can take up to 3-4 weeks before your symptoms from an accident plateau.  With consistent Chiropractic care, we can create an early, lower plateau.  This means you recover quicker with less lasting effects from the accident.

Symptoms:

• Blurred Vision

• Neck Pain

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Shoulder Pain

• Reduced Range of Motion in the Neck

• Arm Pain

• Neck Stiffness

• Low Back Pain

Don't Wait to start feeling better

References:

1.  Panjabi, M. M., Cholewicki, J., Nibu, K., Grauer, J. N., Babat, L. B., & Dvorak, J. (1998). Mechanism of whiplash injury. Clinical Biomechanics, 13(4-5), 239-249. doi:10.1016/s0268-0033(98)00033-3

2.  Siegmund, G. P. (2002, June). The biomechanics of whiplash injury. The BC Medical Journal, 44(5), 243-247. Retrieved from http://www.bcmj.org/article/biomechanics-whiplash-injury