Why does Whiplash hurt?

The biomechanics of whiplash injury is not well understood. Severity of an accident doesn’t always correspond to the pain severity. There are many factors that seem to contribute to whiplash and pain symptoms. Here is a whiplash guide to help you understand what Whiplash; Grade 2 is about.

`

Force and Direction of Impact

Whiplash is results from a forceful movement the head and neck during an impact, normally related to a car accident. The force which moves the head can cause damage to the soft tissues, primarily the muscles and ligaments which support the head. Direct medium velocity impacts from a rear end collision are linked to whiplash as the unbraced head moves backwards and then forward in a rapid motion causing damage to the muscles in the front and back of the spine. The more the force of impact, the greater the risk of tissue damage.

After Whiplash - Stress Response

As our spine is surrounded by lots of nerves, there is an exaggerated muscle contraction response to protect the area. The muscles contract to prevent further damage from occurring and the inflammation process starts. However, car accidents are also stressful, which contributes further to the tightening of the neck and shoulders. There is swelling as the increased blood flow around the injury further prevents motion. Combine all these normal responses in the body, and there are lots of reasons for pain after whiplash.

Healing Process

The body experiences an inflammatory response to Whiplash. Inflammation is the way the body’s tissue heal. Tissues lay down new blood vessels and macrophages start digesting the broken protein fibers. This allows the new tissues to be created as collagen is used to reform the proteins in the muscles. During this time you are experiencing swelling and your skin will be warmer to the touch. Once the new tissues are healed the blood vessels recede and the new tissues mature, gaining their maximal strength. Check out Lochend Clinic’s ice massage for ways to reduce inflammation.

Now the tissues are healed, why does it still hurt?

Some people heal much slower than others. The inflammation/repair process uses many nutrients that some people may be deficient in, such as vitamin c or proline/lysine found in collagen. Diabetes can lead to slower and ineffective repair or certain drugs may also slow repair. These factors can cause you to feel pain for longer. However, the main reason there is still pain is that muscles which have contracted to protect your spine during the injury are causing pain in your neck, back and are radiating pain into other parts of the body. Muscles in contraction are very strong and can pull structures like the shoulders and hips out of place. The longer these compensation patterns are strengthened, the harder they are to reverse. Once the body has healed, tissues and the muscles have released, the inflammation subsides and the pain goes away.

#whiplash #injury #chronicpain #inflammation #pain #LochendClinic