When a rear-end car accident occurs, this can result in trauma to the cervical spine, which may result in cervical pain, and other symptoms.
In whiplash, in a rear end collision, the body is forced into the seat and the head and neck extend. This is followed by the head being thrown forward. In a 32/km/hour car accident, forces may reach 12G!
Injuries may occur to structures of the neck, including the joint capsules, spinal processes and end plates (vertebrae/spinal bones), ligaments, and nerves.
25% of peoples may have ongoing issues past one year.
Common symptoms after whiplash include:
– neck pain
– suboccipital pain
– cervicothoracic pain
– headaches
– facial pain
– thoracic pain
– upper limb numbness
– changes in mood, depression, anxiety, irritability, intolerance
Poor prognosis with:
– neurological deficits
– high ratings of pain for headaches and neck pain
– age
– more rotation head position at impact
– multiple symptoms
– reversal of cervical lordosis.
References:
Available on request.