When a person is involved in a car accident, the inevitable question comes up: should I see a doctor? In most cases, the answer is yes. But why is this important?
A collision between two vehicles imparts a considerable amount of force on the body and spine. Even in low-speed collisions, the forces add up [..]
A 2007 scientific review (Chochrane Database Syst Rev, July 2007) casts doubt on many common whiplash
treatments. Despite billions spent on scientific research each year, it
is surprising that many common treatments lack valid scientific
evidence for safety and effectiveness. As studies accumulate in
libraries, some groups take an interest in figuring out the data [..]
Whiplash injuries of the neck and spine commonly occur in motor vehicle collisions. Even minor impacts with little vehicle damage can put significant stress on the spinal ligaments, disks, and delicate nerves. Some people get symptoms right after the accident (which is a very bad sign) but most people feel somewhat unscathed, at least initially. [..]
Car seats have become more and more advanced over the years with newer models having integrated side impact airbags. While side impact bags are important for side impacts, the most unprotected direction to protect from is the rear end. The mainstay of protection for the rear impact is the headrest. But if not positioned properly, [..]
If you've watched small kids tumble and play, it can seem pretty
rough to an adult. As we age, we know that balancing on our heads or
whipping our necks around can only cause trouble. Most adults understand
this point but seem to think children are more immune to problems for
some reason. But is [..]
Torticollis is a condition where a joint or disk is injured and you
can't move your neck. Sometimes the head is bent or turned a little to
one side, and sometimes it's straight but can barely move in any
direction. This type of problem is usually caused by a disk injury. Whiplash can cause this [..]
Whiplash
involves the over-stretching of nerves, muscles, and ligaments. The
forces are so great during even low speed collisions that the muscles
cannot resist the forces. The injury of whiplash produces inflammation
to repair the damaged tissues. During this time, fast movements of your
head and neck will result in pain, so most patients become [..]
Life is stressful enough during the day that it seems truly
heartbreaking that many us cannot get the restorative sleep we need each
night. Insomnia is an epidemic in the United States and many people
wake up with actual pain and stiffness each morning. What a way to start
the day!Sleep posture is critical to [..]
A neck injury such as a pulled muscle or a "knot" in the muscle is
something we've all experienced. These little aches and pains usually go
away on their own or with a little massage from a loved one. But
sometimes the neck injury is more substantial, such as in a whiplash or sports injury. [..]
Whiplash
injuries are a major public health problem. Not only do they cause
significant pain and time off from work and leisure activities, there is
also a general effect on quality of life. A study in the European Spine Journal
compared female patients with whiplash of the neck to patients with low
back pain and [..]