Whiplash, the neck injury associated with a sudden acceleration-deceleration force most commonly associated with automobile accidents, can happen to anyone. And, when it does, a multitude of symptoms and conditions can simultaneously or retroactively occur. Because nearly one-third of car accidents are rear-end collisions, and because the neck itself is a fragile extremity, it's easy to understand how prevalent theses injuries actually are. In fact, prior to 1928 and the invention of the automobile, "whiplash" did not exist; in its place was a similar injury known as "railway spine"- a soft-tissue condition associated with train accidents. Unfortunately, because automobiles - and therefore automobile accidents - are increasingly prevalent in today's fast-paced society, whiplash has become a much more common medical condition, as well.
When stopped in traffic, a driver is - generally - relaxed and unaware of impending threats, especially from cars approaching them from blind spots. Therefore, when a rear-end accident occurs, the neck is thrown forward, unprepared for the impact of the collision. This transference of energy is also what's known as Newton's First Law. Oftentimes, during this collision, if a person is wearing a seatbelt, the body of the body is held stationary, while the head - unrestrained by the body or the seatbelt itself, continues its forward motion. Immediately following the accident, the head thrusts backwards again, almost like a slingshot. In accidents involving speeds over 10 miles per hour, an extremely slow pace for an automobile to be traveling these days, the hyperextension of the neck and head causes the majority of the damage.
Whiplash is not, fortunately, a typically life-threatening injury, but it can certainly lead to prolonged or permanent disability and/or discomfort. In fact, to substantiate this fact, the United States spends approximately 30 billion dollars each year to treat whiplash or deal with its aftermath - including litigation, sick leave, vehicular damage, etc. It is heartening to remember that the majority of symptoms are not serious, and that the majority of people who experience whiplash similarly experience a quick and full recovery. But it isn't always the case. Some do not notice the immediate implications of whiplash, or notice them only in small degrees - then experience an unpleasant "discovery" several weeks down the road. Unfortunately, it has been suggested that, due to the possibility for individuals to receive compensatory settlements as a result of their injuries, it has become difficult to accurately document whiplash cases. Nonetheless, whiplash remains a real condition with real symptoms, and is something which doctors and patients must take very seriously.
Modern technology, as with the medical field in general, has immensely improved the study and treatment of whiplash. High-speed cameras and sophisticated have shown that, in addition to imminent neck injuries, lower cervical damage can also unknowingly occur. This can lead to what's known as an "S" shape in the cervical spine, which is far from its optimal positioning. Many doctors believe that the soft-tissue damage that simultaneously occurs, in whiplash, is due to this unhealthy positioning, because the ligaments and muscles that support the cervical vertebrae are directly impacted.
Being involved in an automobile accident is, regardless of the severity, a traumatizing experience in itself. After experiencing just one car accident, most people understand just how lucky they are, and that cars can be extremely dangerous - to themselves and to others. The implications of an automobile accident can be minimal, or life-changing and drastic. If you've experience whiplash, and whiplash alone, consider yourself lucky. You are thankfully alive, and with any luck, you'll fully recover from your whiplash injury. This is not to trivialize whiplash, but it's important to maintain some perspective. With the proper self-care and medical treatment, you'll likely be fine. In a sense, "healing" is the easy part; what remains is the lesson you've learned about the fragility of life and the importance of awareness, prevention, and safety. If you feel newly inspired as a result of your whiplash experience, all the better; carry your positive new attitude forward, and greet each new day, and each new challenge, with enthusiasm. Strive to live more fully, and more generously. We only have one body, and one life to walk our bodies through, so we must take care of ourselves and each other. Do everything in your power to prevent another automobile accident - by deep breathing and relaxation techniques, leaving early for work or appointments, practicing forgiveness, and - perhaps most practically - driving defensively, not aggressively. We must continue to be thankful for our good health, and nurture it appropriately. It is, after all, quite a gift.
When stopped in traffic, a driver is - generally - relaxed and unaware of impending threats, especially from cars approaching them from blind spots. Therefore, when a rear-end accident occurs, the neck is thrown forward, unprepared for the impact of the collision. This transference of energy is also what's known as Newton's First Law. Oftentimes, during this collision, if a person is wearing a seatbelt, the body of the body is held stationary, while the head - unrestrained by the body or the seatbelt itself, continues its forward motion. Immediately following the accident, the head thrusts backwards again, almost like a slingshot. In accidents involving speeds over 10 miles per hour, an extremely slow pace for an automobile to be traveling these days, the hyperextension of the neck and head causes the majority of the damage.
Whiplash is not, fortunately, a typically life-threatening injury, but it can certainly lead to prolonged or permanent disability and/or discomfort. In fact, to substantiate this fact, the United States spends approximately 30 billion dollars each year to treat whiplash or deal with its aftermath - including litigation, sick leave, vehicular damage, etc. It is heartening to remember that the majority of symptoms are not serious, and that the majority of people who experience whiplash similarly experience a quick and full recovery. But it isn't always the case. Some do not notice the immediate implications of whiplash, or notice them only in small degrees - then experience an unpleasant "discovery" several weeks down the road. Unfortunately, it has been suggested that, due to the possibility for individuals to receive compensatory settlements as a result of their injuries, it has become difficult to accurately document whiplash cases. Nonetheless, whiplash remains a real condition with real symptoms, and is something which doctors and patients must take very seriously.
Modern technology, as with the medical field in general, has immensely improved the study and treatment of whiplash. High-speed cameras and sophisticated have shown that, in addition to imminent neck injuries, lower cervical damage can also unknowingly occur. This can lead to what's known as an "S" shape in the cervical spine, which is far from its optimal positioning. Many doctors believe that the soft-tissue damage that simultaneously occurs, in whiplash, is due to this unhealthy positioning, because the ligaments and muscles that support the cervical vertebrae are directly impacted.
Being involved in an automobile accident is, regardless of the severity, a traumatizing experience in itself. After experiencing just one car accident, most people understand just how lucky they are, and that cars can be extremely dangerous - to themselves and to others. The implications of an automobile accident can be minimal, or life-changing and drastic. If you've experience whiplash, and whiplash alone, consider yourself lucky. You are thankfully alive, and with any luck, you'll fully recover from your whiplash injury. This is not to trivialize whiplash, but it's important to maintain some perspective. With the proper self-care and medical treatment, you'll likely be fine. In a sense, "healing" is the easy part; what remains is the lesson you've learned about the fragility of life and the importance of awareness, prevention, and safety. If you feel newly inspired as a result of your whiplash experience, all the better; carry your positive new attitude forward, and greet each new day, and each new challenge, with enthusiasm. Strive to live more fully, and more generously. We only have one body, and one life to walk our bodies through, so we must take care of ourselves and each other. Do everything in your power to prevent another automobile accident - by deep breathing and relaxation techniques, leaving early for work or appointments, practicing forgiveness, and - perhaps most practically - driving defensively, not aggressively. We must continue to be thankful for our good health, and nurture it appropriately. It is, after all, quite a gift.
SHARE
