Even though whiplash or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is very common, it remains poorly understood. Recent studies report that up to 60% of people may still have pain six months after their injury. Why is that? Investigations have shown there are changes in the muscle and muscle function in the neck and shoulder regions in chronic WAD patients. Symptoms often include
Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck often referred to as a sprain or strain. There are a unique set of symptoms associated with whiplash. Doctors and researchers commonly use the term “whiplash-associated disorders” or WAD to describe the condition. WAD commonly occurs as a result of a car crash. It can also result from a
When a patient with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) presents for chiropractic care, they may undergo a series of tests. This includes an examination that looks at the movement of the eyes. Why is this necessary, and what can it tell their doctor of chiropractic? The sudden acceleration/deceleration that occurs during a whiplash event, can place a lot of force on the
As previously discussed, many patients with a whiplash injury also experience some degree of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sustaining a traumatic brain injury can prolong the recovery process. A 2012 study involving patients with severe TBI found the rate of favorable recovery increased by 25% in participants who took a vitamin D supplement as part of their treatment plan. Why
Whiplash typically involves an injury to the neck. It can often include symptoms outside of the cervical region. That is why the term “whiplash-associated disorder” (WAD) may be a more appropriate description for the condition. WAD is most common in car accidents. Other forms of trauma, such as a slip and fall, can also result in WAD. So what makes
Posture assessment is a key component of the chiropractic examination. The posture of the head and neck is especially important for a patient recovering from a whiplash injury. Forward head carriage describes a state in which the head sits more forward on the shoulders than it should. In order for the muscles in the neck and shoulders to keep the
Researchers have observed a phenomenon called “central sensitization” (CS). It is common in patients who have long-term, chronic pain following trauma such as whiplash. With CS, the patient’s ability to feel pain is abnormally high or hypersensitive. So when pain from pressure, temperature, electrical, or other sources is applied to the skin, they feel it sooner and more intensely than
The terms “whiplash” and “neck strain” are often used interchangeably, though there’s debate about whether this is appropriate. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two common descriptions of neck pain… What is Strain The term “strain” technically means a stretch injury to a muscle and/or the tendon that attaches muscle to bone. The terms mild, moderate,
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is also becoming a “hot topic” as it relates to motor vehicle collisions (MVC). The question is: how often is TBI missed? The simple answer is: FREQUENTLY! The attention goes to other injuries such as neck injuries or limb injuries. One study found that doctors were more likely to miss an mTBI diagnosis in patients who
Whiplash injuries are very common and primarily associates with car and rear-end collisions in particular. Read-Ended Scenario 1) At 0-50 milliseconds (ms). The car initially propels forward, the seatback pushes the torso forward while the head remains in its original position. This straightens or flattens out the cervical curve. 2) At 50–75 ms. The torso accelerates forward and the head/neck
Jonathan Woodward, D.C.
Woodward Chiropractic & Massage
6310 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy Ste 115
Dallas, TX 75240
(972) 490-9888
