Whiplash injuries in traffic accidents
Whiplash injury, which is defined as the involuntary swing of the body in a whip-like movement, can cause neck damage, especially in traffic accidents that occur as a result of a rear-end collision. Anadolu Health Center experts state that even if the person who had an accident does not have any fractures, there may be damage to the soft tissue in the neck as a result of whiplash injury, and gives information about treatment.
Involuntary movements of the body in traffic accidents or even sudden and hard braking can cause neck injuries. This condition, called whiplash or whiplash injury, occurs as a result of the head being thrown violently backwards and then forwards, especially in accidents where the waist is kept fixed with a belt and there is a blow from behind. In 90 percent of those who experience Whiplash trauma, the involuntary movement of the body occurs at a speed of 0-20 km per hour. In this case, while no fracture occurs in the individual, there is damage to the soft tissue in the neck. At the same time, results such as several vertebrae slipping out of place, locking and not being able to move may occur. Whiplash typically occurs in car accidents, but can also occur in sports or falls, and these types of injuries cannot be detected by a single symptom. While tissue damage as a result of whiplash is quite common, muscle strain in the neck, joint dislocation, ligament damage, bleeding in muscles and joints, and excessive tension in the nerve tissue are also frequently observed. Similar damage can also occur in other parts of the body.
Traffic accidents cause changes in waist and neck
The most common complaints arising from traffic accidents are; They are listed as neck pain, dizziness, neck stiffness, headache, waist and back pain, arm pain and numbness, lack of concentration, sensitivity to light, forgetfulness and stress. Symptoms indicating whiplash may not appear immediately after an accident. While symptoms may begin within a few days, they may trigger a disease that will disturb the person for weeks or even years.
Whiplash injuries are more common in middle-aged people
Although the rates of whiplash injury are generally lower in very young and very old people, research shows that whiplash injuries are more common in other age groups; It reveals that it is 17 percent less common in people younger than 21 years of age and 2 percent less in people over 60 years of age. Neck wear is more common in the elderly, and children experience fewer problems because their neck muscles are shorter. According to research based in England, women are more affected by these types of accidents because they have thinner necks and less muscular structures.
Whiplash can cause permanent damage
In complaints that persist 6 months after the injury, the finding is considered chronic. Research indicates that 30-40 percent of patients will experience chronic illnesses in different forms, and approximately 10 percent will experience permanent illnesses that are severe enough to affect their daily life. Wear and tear in the neck area of individuals suffering from whiplash occurs 6 times faster than a normal person. Additionally, in these patients; Pain and stiffness in the neck, referred pain in the back, shoulder and arms, jaw joint pain, headache, calcification, neck flattening, narrowing between the vertebrae, cartilage wear and neck hernia can also be observed. Part of the worn vertebrae can touch the nerve and thus cause numbness in the arm.
93 percent success with chiropractic treatment
According to a study conducted at the Orthopedic Clinic at the University of Bristol; Chiropractic treatment is successful in reducing pain in 93 percent of chronic whiplash patients. Chiropractic treatment is planned individually. Patients who have suffered severe trauma and fractures are not considered suitable for chiropractic treatment. Duration of treatment; Although it varies depending on factors such as age, profession and muscle structure, positive developments are observed within 4 weeks in normal cases. After the 4th week, the frequency of treatment is reduced and when the patient feels completely well, the frequency of treatment is reduced to once a month.
