Collision Whiplash

I’m sure you’ve heard the word “whiplash” come up in a conversation about car collision. You may have even experienced whiplash or known someone that has. But do you know how and why it happens?

The part of your body that is most heavily affected by whiplash is the cervical spine. When a passenger or driver is involved in a car collision, the head and neck could be forced forward and backward very quickly, causing high levels of stress and pressure on this part of the spine. In fact, the medical term for whiplash is cervical acceleration-deceleration (CAD) syndrome.

Whiplash can cause excruciating neck pains and a tingling sensation in areas around the neck and upper-back.  Depending on the collision, some passengers or drivers are left with stiff necks and loss of neck mobility. Long- lasting headaches can sometimes accompany these feelings of discomfort and in some circumstances, concussion. Difficulty sleeping, lack of concentration, and other behavioral changes are signs of the more serious/dangerous forms  of cervical acceleration-deceleration syndrome and should be treated immediately.

 

In many cases, whiplash is a result of a rear-end car collision. However, it is not impossible for a passenger or driver to experience this injury in other types of collision. It is very important to stay informed about the various types of collision injuries. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, be sure to get help as soon as possible!

 

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