Whiplash: What Causes The Neck and Back Pain?

We have been providing whiplash treatment in San Francisco for over 20 years now.

Whiplash commonly occurs as a result of a motor vehicle collision when, typically, there is hyper-motion in one direction followed by motion in the opposite direction in a “crack the whip” like manner.

The direction of the strike typically dictates the direction of movement of the head so in a rear end collision, the strike is from behind, whipping the head forwards and then backwards. In a side-on collision, a side-to-side motion results. Pain can occur anywhere around the neck, upper back, arms, chest and/or head, depending on the tissues that are injured. Soft tissues including the muscles, their tendon insertions, ligaments that securely tie bone to bone, the shock absorbing disk in the front of the vertebral column, and/or the nerves that pass through the holes of the spine that innervate the arms and hands can be affected by these injuries.

There can be jaw pain, difficulty in swallowing, balance / dizziness problems, fatigue, as well as concussion or mild traumatic brain injury which can lead to poor concentration, sleep interference, and memory loss. Low back pain and/or trunk pain can occur from the seat-belt and/or airbag deployment.

The injuries associated with whiplash can lead to disruption of normal daily activity, depression and anxiety. There can be immediate symptoms or a delay in the onset and pain with its associated disability can last for days, weeks, months, or longer, depending on each case.

Last month, we discussed the grades 1, 2, and 3 or, mild, moderate, severe sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle injuries). Previously, we discussed methods of prognosing the lasting effects of the injury in a reported classification system called “whiplash associated disorders” or WAD I, II, III. & IV. Here, the differentiating feature is pain with no objective exam findings (WAD I), the presence of objective loss of motion but negative neurological findings (WADII) or, the presence of measurable neurological dysfunction (WAD III). Studies have shown that the likelihood of prolonged injury increases with each WAD grade.

A side-to-side or front-to-back mechanism of injury can result in damage to the ligaments in the back of the spine called the supra- and inter- spinous ligaments, the disk and/or nerve root that exits the spine allowing the arm and hand to sense and be strong (when it’s not pinched or damaged like in a WAD III) and/or, the bone which can compress when the force is hard enough (WAD IV).  A concussion can occur when the brain bounces against the inside of the skull.

We realize you have a choice in where you choose your health-care services.  If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

To schedule an appointment with a whiplash specialist in San Francisco call 415-392-2225

Serving Zip Code 94111 and surrounding areas since 1992

Comments

[Dr. Michael Pound]

I have seen too many of our San Francisco chiropractic patients wait too long to get treatment for whiplash because they think that the symptoms will go away, or that they must just have a mild case because they don't feel much pain after the accident. This can lead to long term problems, that are more chronic in nature. If in an accident, seek care as soon as possible.

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Yes, whiplash trauma to the neck, back, or shoulders can lead to chronic pain syndromes, headaches, scar tissue, and more. Early treatment is advised.

[Dr. Lindsay Stephens]

Early treatment is key!

[knee pain]

Very useful information for the readers pertaining to neck and back pain. Thanks for sharing

[Dr. Eben Davis]

Thank You! I really appreciate it :-)

[Spatch Merlin]

Great and informative post. The public should be educated more about whiplash to promote implementations timely.

Spatch Merlin
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