Whiplash is commonly associated with Car Accidents, where the car is hit from behind, although these injuries can be sustained in many other ways, including falls from stools, bicycles and horses.
It stands out as one of the main injuries covered by Car Insurers. In the UK 430,000 made a claim for whiplash in 2007, which is 75% of the UK's motor insurance claims.
Whiplash injuries are complex, and the onset of symptoms can be delayed by a day or two, so everyone involved in a Car Crash should be examined by a Doctor and X-Rayed to rule out any serious injury.
When a car is hit from behind there is a sudden acceleration of the body.
The skull, spine and sacrum are drawn upwards, their weight effectively decreasing.
The lower back is forced forwards and the neck & head is forced backwards.
During the flexion phase the skull, spine and sacrum are drawn downwards and forwards, increasing their weight.
The net result of these sudden forces is to embed the sacrum between the pelvic bones. The upper neck is disrupted and the bones at the cranial base become jammed.
The Cranio Sacral System is effectively locked.
The bones in the pelvis and cranium are simply unable to move.
This goes a long way in explaining some of the bizarre symptoms that people suffer after a whiplash injury.
There are a number of other injuries that people can suffer with whiplash such as bone fractures, torn muscles and ligaments, displaced organs, vertebral joint compression and shock.
It is very important to have yourself examined at Hospital, as your health matters, and your insurance company will want to see a medical report for your insurance claim.
Where there is no "Serious" Injury, Osteopathic treatment and Acupuncture can usually help greatly with the results of whiplash.
Having been through the experience of Pain Clinics, physiotherapy and medication, I have been surprised and delighted to experience such significant pain relief after only a few sessions with David Drysdale. His down to earth practical approach identified and worked directly with my neck and back pain from the outset. The actual work was not comfortable, but I quickly experienced a positive shift. This may of course not be the case for everyone, however, I would certainly recommend his practice. Thanks David, I will do my best to look after my back better, however, I know where to come if I can't manage on my own.