Whiplash

In the past a typical whiplash injury, where no bones were broken, was hard to document. Soft tissue injury didn't show up on normal x-rays and insurance companies would deny coverage.

Literally adding insult to injury, the patient suffering all too real pain was considered to be a fraud, a liar, or at best a hypochondriac. New imaging devices (CAT Scans, Magnetic Imaging, and Ultra Sound) now show soft tissue injury and insurance companies now cover most whiplash injuries.
When no bones are broken and the head doesn’t strike the windshield, typical symptoms are as follows: 62 percent to 98 percent complain of neck pain, which typically starts anywhere from two hours up to two days after the accident.1 This is often the result of tightened muscles that react to either muscle tears or excessive movement of joints from ligament damage. The muscles tighten in an effort to splint and support the head, limiting the excessive movement.

Sixty-six percent to 70 percent of those suffering from whiplash complain of headache.2 The pain may be on one side or both, on again off again or constant, in one spot or more general. These headaches, like the neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and, like tension headaches, they are often felt behind the eyes.

Shoulder pain often described as pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area, may also be the result of tensed muscles.

Muscle tears are often described as burning pain, prickling or tingling. More severe disc damage may cause sharp pain with certain movements which are relieved by holding your hand over your head.

The chart to the right lists the most common whiplash symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, play it safe and get a chiropractic check up.

1. Stephen M. Foreman and Arthur C. Croft: Whiplash Injuries: The Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration Syndrome, (Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore), 1988, p. 287.
2. Ibid., p. 289.