Neck Shoulder Impact Injuries 3D

Neck and Shoulder 22 3D animated educational videos are available for Neck and Shoulder Anatomy,  Pain, Diseases, Conditions and Injuries,  Whiplash (WAD) is such an example this and others can be found listed under “Complementary Medicine” ” Orthopaedics,” and “Pain Management sections” in our Videos Library section,  a further 78 3D animated videos for other “Orthopaedics,”  “Pain Management” and “Complementary Medicine.” To view the Videos Library, please click in the top right hand corner. 

Neck Shoulder Pain, known as Whiplash (WAD) Injury, Whiplash and Neck Pain 3D Animated educatioal video can be found listed under “Types of Pain” in the “Neck Pain” Section  

What is it? 

Acceleration, deceleration injury to the neck (Whiplash or WAD) refers to the injury to any of a number of structures in the neck as a result of Whiplash (WAD). These include ligaments, muscles and in severe cases the bones i.e Cervical Vertebrae 

How does it happen? 

Acceleration, deceleration injury to the neck is a common injury in motor vehicle accidents and contact sports and extreme sports such as Skiing and Rugby. In most instances the head is either violently thrust forward or backward on impact, and injury to the structures in the neck results. 

There are two types of  whiplash injury that may affect the neck and shoulders : 

• Typical cervical hyper-extension injuries occur in passengers and drivers of a stationary or slow-moving vehicle that is struck from behind. The body is thrown forward but the head lags behind, resulting in hyper-extension of the neck. When the head and neck have reached maximum extension, the neck then snaps into flexion.
• A rapid deceleration injury throws the head forwards and flexes the neck. When the chin hits the chest it limits forward flexion but the forward movement may be sufficient to cause longitudinal distraction and neurological damage. Hyper-extension may occur in the subsequent recoil.

Whiplash injuries may occur at relatively low vehicle velocity impacts. One study showed the cervical muscle injury threshold to be about 10 km/hour. Whiplash associated disorders (WAD) can be classified by the severity of signs and symptoms: 

• Grade 1: no complaints or physical signs.
• Grade 2: indicates neck and /or shoulder complaints but no physical signs.
• Grade 3: indicates neck and / or shoulder complaints and musculoskeletal signs.
• Grade 4: neck and / or shoulder complaints and neurological signs.
• Grade 5: neck and / or shoulder complaints dislocation and fracture. Most cervical spine fractures occur predominantly at two levels:

1. One third of injuries occur at the level of C2, and one half of injuries occur at the level of C6 or C7.
2. Most fatal cervical spine injuries occur in upper cervical levels, either at cranio-cervical junction C1, or at C2.

How does it feel? 

At time of accident or impacted there may be little or no pain or any apparent injury, Therefore, depending on the severity of the injury, there will be a gradual increase in the intensity of the pain over the following few days or weeks. Pain is usually felt in the neck and/or shoulders, and occasionally in the head, this might produce the onset of headaches, with the possibility of tingling sensations radiating into one or both arms. This may be accompanied either by a dull ache or a sharp pain which is made worse by movement. In nearly all cases a restriction may be apparent, this may prevent full motion of the neck. The pain may be in the middle of the neck, or to one or both sides of the neck, which may also radiate into the head, shoulders or arms.  In severe Whiplash (WAD) cases, pain may felt in the upper, mid and lower back . 

What should you do? 

If you have had a Whiplash (WAD) episode you should seek advice and treatment from a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist. An x-ray is important to rule out a vertebral fracture. Chiropractors are the most likely to have this facility on site, or go along to your Local A & E. When this is done and there is no evidence of a vertebral fracture, you may wish to proceed with treatment. 

Ideally, Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy should be administered, this modality accelerates the healing process in the area of the injury,thus signifagantly reducing swelling and inflammation, this modality will also provide significant pain relief for this injury, a five star rating has been awarded to Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy,  and more information can be found about Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy, listed under our “Pain Relief” section, including a review published in the doctors, GPs, favourite medical journal “The Lancet”on Low Level Laser Therapy for neck pain, 

What shouldn’t you do? 

If you have had an acceleration, deceleration injury, you shouldn’t ignore the problem and continue to exercise. This may lead to your problem getting worse, resulting in a prolonged and painful recovery. In addition, avoid activities which aggravate your pain. 

Could there be any long-term effects? 

Symptoms include excruciating pain in the neck and shoulder region, this may radiate into the shoulders, arms, back and Legs, and there may also be burning sensations in the hands and feet. Mild–moderate acceleration or deceleration injury usually does not produce any long-term effects, as long it is properly diagnosed and the correct treatment appropriately applied. Recovery in a mild–moderate case usually takes a matter of weeks or several months. A severe case, however, can occasionally lead to degeneration of the discs in the neck and joint damage, resulting in long-term  altered mobility, neck/back and shoulder pain problems. 

Management 

The advice and assistance from a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist is important in the treatment of an acceleration or deceleration injury. Initially, they can assist in diagnosing the problem and in determining its severity. This may require the use of imaging techniques such as Digital-x-ray, CT scanning or MRI. From this, a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may initially involve techniques to reduce your pain. 

This may include: Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy to accelerate the healing process to the injured area, reduce swelling and inflammation and therefore provide futher significant pain relief. A five star rating has been awarded to this modality, and more information can be found on Cold or Low Level laser Therapy, under our “Pain Relief” section. It may also be beneficial to limit your neck and shoulder activity. 

Anti-inflammatory medications may be taken and it would also be advantageous to seek out a physical therapy such as Chiropractic or Physiotherapy. When your pain has been reduced sufficiently a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will be able to provide you with a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed to return you back to every day normal and sporting activities, and reduce the chances of your neck pain re-occurring.