|
 Motor
vehicle collisions are one of the leading
preventable causes of injury in the United
States. In 2006 there were a total of 2,575,000
motor vehicle injuries in the United States.
The ability to deliver prompt medical attention
has improved through improvements in ambulance
and rescue equipment.
In the recovery process following a vehicle
injury, it is often necessary that chiropractic
services are needed.
Common symptoms following whiplash
92% Neck pain
57% Headache
56% Fatigue
49% Shoulder pain
44% Anxiety
42% Interscapular pain
39% Lower back pain
39% Sleep disturbance
30% Upper limb paresthesia
29% Sensitivity to noise |
26% Impaired concentration
21% Blurred vision
21% Irritability
16% Dysphasia (difficult swallowing)
15% Dizziness
15% Forgetfulness
12% Upper limb pain
6% Upper limb weakness
4% Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
4%+ Jaw/facial pain (TMJ) |
Common myths
about whiplash
• Low speed rear impact crashes (LOSRIC) don't
cause injury
• Injuries heal in 6-12 weeks
• Litigation has an effect on the patient's
recovery
• The patient's pre-injury psychological makeup
affects recovery
• Greater vehicle damage = greater occupancy
injury
• Accident reconstructionists can predict injury
potential
Crash facts:
• Most injuries occur at crash speeds below 12
mph.
• Most cars withstand 8-12 mph impact without
structural damage.
• More than half of all LOSRIC injuries occur
without vehicle damage.
• There is no correlation between vehicle
damage and outcome.
• The peak acceleration of a head is much
greater than the peak acceleration of the
vehicle.
• A 5mph crash typically produces about
10-12 g of acceleration of the occupant's head |
