Whiplash injuries occur when the body moves forward, thus forcing the neck into extension. The neck then whips forward into a flexed position. Although this type of injury is most often seen in motor vehicle collisions, it can also occur in sports injuries, as well as slips, falls, and a number of other manners.
However, the most misunderstood aspect of whiplash is that while pain may subside quickly, it is the decreased proprioception, or our body’s ability to know where it is in space (think hand-eye coordination), that is the bigger issue. This can lead to increased nerve firing in the body, which has been shown to decrease immune and endocrine function (the glands secreting hormones to control and signal organ function).
One of the major outcomes of a chiropractic adjustment is increased proprioception, which is why seeing your chiropractor as soon as possible after a car accident is critically important. This will not only help with pain but also improve how your body is able to fight infections and function optimally!
At our Newark chiropractic office, our doctors are trained to handle virtually all aspects of a whiplash injury. Call us today at 302-368-1300 to find out how we can help!
Davis, C. (2001). Chronic pain/dysfunction in whiplash-associated disorders. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24(1), 44-51.
