Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) is an injury to the neck caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. The injury usually involves the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in the neck.
What causes Whiplash- Associated Disorder (WAD) commonly known as “Whiplash”?
“Whiplash”(WAD) injury occurs when the body reacts to sudden deceleration or acceleration force causing hyper flexion or hyperextension of the neck.)
Most ”whiplash” (WAD) injuries are the result of a collision that includes sudden acceleration or deceleration. Many whiplash injuries occur when a person is involved in a rear-end automobile collision, or as a result of a sports injury, particularly during contact sports.
“Whiplash”(WAD) injuries are associated with car accidents. The “whiplash”(WAD) injury is sustained when the muscles of the neck and shoulders do not have enough time to brace and hold the head during sudden acceleration or deceleration force application, leading to injuries of the muscles, ligaments, capsule of the facet joints and discs of cervical spine.
Uncomplicated cases
“Whiplash”(WAD) cases that are uncomplicated are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck. The muscles spasm naturally to form a protective mechanism for the neck. The whiplash injury may cause a stiff neck and pain may be present down one or both arms if the nerve roots of cervical part of spinal cord get compressed.
Relief for “whiplash” (WAD) can be found with chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or pain medication.
****** Studies have shown that 35 of 39 patients, or 91%, of patients with chronic “whiplash”(WAD) benefited from chiropractic treatment ********
Severe cases
In severe cases of “whiplash”(WAD) may last for a month or more with persistent and in some cases constant pain.
This may indicate that the “whiplash” (WAD) injury has extensive damage and resulting in discs rupturing and trapped nerves in the neck. This may also predispose to a “slipped”, ruptured or herniated disc in the back.
(See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)
What are the symptoms?
· Pain or stiffness in the neck, jaw, shoulders, back, or arms
· Headaches
· Dizziness
· Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
· Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands or shoulders
· Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
· Nervousness or irritability
· Difficulty sleeping
· Fatigue
· Burning or prickling or tingling, particularly around your neck
· Depression
· Vertigo
What if I don’t feel anything at first, but start to have symptoms later?
This is typical of “whiplash: (WAD) Symptoms may occur right away but often do not begin to develop for several hours after the incident and then worsen over the next 36 to 72 hours.
How long do the symptoms last?
Most neck and head pain symptoms clear up within a few days or weeks,. For others, the recovery can take up to three or four months. But about 35 percent of people with whiplash report symptoms for up to a year, and about 15 percent of patients report permanent symptoms as a result of their injuries.
Diagnosis
Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain.
“Whiplash”(WAD) is difficult to diagnose since most injuries are to soft tissues like muscles and ligaments and will not show up on an x-ray. If an x-ray fails to reveal a problem, doctors will sometimes order specialized tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But more often they will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms.
Your Chiropractor will take a complete history of the symptoms you are having with your neck. The Chiropractor may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that occurred to your neck, and any complaints you have associated with neck pain. Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted.
X-rays often will be obtained to allow your Chiropractor to look at the bones in your neck. This entails simple diagnostic imaging study (radiography) and aids your Chiropractor to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment.
Further evaluation may involve the following:
· MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non x-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
· CT (computed tomography). This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.
· EMG (electromyography). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.
Treatment
The treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis. Most patients are treated successfully with Chiropractic Treatment. Also rest, medication, immobilization, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods can be very useful.
Inflammation is a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, (See also Cold Laser Therapy under conditions treated; this therapy is extremely affective in the treatment of inflammation). Surgery is required in very few cases to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of Chiropractic treatment, rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis, such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.
If you’ve seen your doctor about your injury and the symptoms persist for more than four weeks, it may be time for you to see a specialist. Such as a neurologist or chiropractor who can help diagnose your condition.
What is the treatment for Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) “whiplash”?
Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory painkillers or muscle relaxants. You can apply ice to the injured area to reduce pain and swelling for up to 15 minutes every hour. Chiropractic treatment is very effective in the management of whiplash.( see also Cold Laser Therapy under Conditions Treated).
What can I do to help prevent “whiplash”?(WAD).
Since the most common cause of the injury is car crashes, experts say safe driving, seatbelts, and properly adjusted headrests are your best protection against whiplash. Seatbelts help keep you from being thrown forward; a low headrest in your car allows your head to pivot backwards over the top during an accident: Always raise or lower your car’s headrest until the centre of the rest meets the centre of the back of your head
“Whiplash” (WAD) for further in depth information Please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions” for neck pain, “Whiplash”(WAD) and “Treatment” for therapy.
