The Phases of Whiplash Injury

As your car accident chiropractor, we see a lot of whiplash injuries in our patients. Car accidents frequently lead to whiplash, particularly rear-end accidents. Whiplash can include a number of different specific injuries to the neck, including injuries to the muscles, discs, nerves, and other tissues – making it challenging to treat. Fortunately, we have the ability to help patients get relief from whiplash injuries. It may take some time and several treatments, but we should be able to help you recover from your whiplash.

4 Phases of Whiplash

Most people are familiar with the basics of whiplash. When you are rear-ended while in a car, your head whips back and forward, causing injuries ranging from mild to severe. Looking more closely at whiplash makes it easier to understand why it can be so debilitating. A lot happens that causes damage to your spine and soft tissues. The four states of whiplash include:

Phase 1

The impact to the back of the vehicle causes it to move forward rapidly, while your body remains relatively stationary. The set pushes against your back while your head moves backward. If your headrest is adjusted properly it will eventually stop the backward momentum of your head, but not before the significant damage is done. With your body moving forward and your head moving backward, a shearing motion is created.

Phase 2

The second phase is when your body reaches its maximum velocity – while your head has still yet to begin moving forward. You may be surprised to discover that your body can reach a speed one and a half to two times faster than the speed of the vehicle you are in, aided by the springing motion of your seatback as it starts to jerk forward. With your head still moving backward and your body moving forward so quickly, the shearing force in your neck is tremendous. Considerable damage is done during phase two, often leading to disc problems, nerve issues, muscle tears and even bone injuries.

Phase 3

The car starts to slow down in phase three, and your body is finally stopped by your seatbelt, driving it back down into the seat. However, phase three is also when your head is traveling forward at its fastest. The damage to your neck is only half complete, as your head is about to reach another extreme – this time moving forward.

Phase 4

In the final phase of whiplash, your head reaches the furthest point of its forward momentum, while your body has come to a stop in your seat. The powerful movement of your head forward with your body at a stop actually creates a whipping motion with your head as a weight on the end of your neck. All the energy created pulls your spinal cord and the roots of your nerves, tears the tissues that make up your discs, damages ligaments and causing vertebrae to leave their alignment and pull in ways that they were never designed for. The most severe injuries typically occur in phase four of whiplash.

The Importance of Seeing a Chiropractor

Many times the damage done by whiplash is obvious – you will be in pain, unable to move your neck normally and will have to seek treatment to function. But other times, whiplash can cause injuries that are less noticeable. You may imagine that a little neck pain is something that will pass with time. Unfortunately, whiplash can be deceptive, leaving you with neck and back issues far down the road if you fail to seek treatment.

As your chiropractic clinic in Edmonds, we urge you to come in for an appointment anytime you are involved in a car accident or experience whiplash. It is extremely important that you get a full examination to detect any signs of injury. The sooner we know what damage was done, the better we will be able to treat your injuries and help you avoid problems related to your accident.

Effective Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash is a complex injury that requires care and attention to treat – but it can be treated. Our wellness center offers whiplash treatment that can give you considerable relief and ensure you heal as well as possible. These include:

Chiropractic adjustments

Massage therapy

Corrective exercises

Spinal decompression

If you have experienced whiplash, please contact us now to schedule an appointment. Call

425-361-1839 today to get started!