Ask the Doctor

“Why exactly does whiplash occur? Tell me some of the science behind it please.”

The answer is: Have you been in any sort of auto accident in the last 5 years? The reason I ask is because science has concluded that even low speed collisions can cause long term whiplash symptoms. There is a great misunderstanding amongst people that to get whiplash you have to be in an auto accident straight out of a Bruce Willis movie… and… this simply is not the case.

Would you believe that it is actually common for a chiropractor to see a patient with whiplash symptoms affecting many aspects of their lives, as a result of low speed accidents in which the cars were going under 5 miles an hour? Crazy sounding, I know, but allow me to explain why…

The Science Behind Whiplash!

Picture yourself in your car at an intersection. In your rear view mirror you suddenly take notice as you see another car about to hit you from behind. They're not stopping! What's the typical reaction? You tense up and prepare for the collision. Key words here: You tense up. When the car hits, your head is whipped in the opposite direction from the force of the collision.

Here's why this can cause so many problems: The average head weighs 8 pounds. The head is connected to the neck which has seven small bones and over 30 joints. When that car hits you from behind, your neck is pushed in the direction of the force that hits your car... and your head, which is much heavier than your neck falls back in the opposite direction. Yikes. (And I won't bore you with all the other factors that can determine the extent of your injury - speed, the weight of the car, the headrest you're using (or not using)... all these play a role.)

Why Chiropractic Is So Effective in Treating Whiplash

Studies have shown for years that chiropractic is the most effective (and cost effective) way to treat whiplash. I've had patients who walked in barely able to move their neck, who were functioning at full capacity after only a few visits. Do you know someone who’s been in a car accident within the last 3 years? If you’d like us to look at them please just let us know. That’s what we’re here for. We’re here to help!