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Probably the most common injuries we see at Accidental Injury Advocates are Spinal Injuries. In a motor vehicle accident, particularly in a rear-end collision case, the most common spinal injuries involve cervical flexion/extension injuries, more commonly known as "whiplash."
How does "whiplash" occur? At the time of impact, the vehicle is accelerated forward, immediately followed by a similar acceleration in the your trunk and shoulders. The head stays still, resulting in forced extension of the neck, as the shoulders move under the head. (extension). This all happens in a split second. Then the head snaps forward, with the neck acting as a lever to increase the forward acceleration of the head. (flexion).
I always hear about "whiplash" in the movies or on TV, and it sounds like a joke. Can you really be injured by whiplash? The answer is most definitely, yes. The forces are unbelievable. With an impact of only 20mph, you are talking about a peak acceleration of 12 G's during extension. * The spine is subjected to similar forces during front-end collisions as well, during deceleration.
What is the result of these types of forces on the spine? These horrific forces can damage the muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs, which surround and are included in the spine, sometimes permanently. Oftentimes, the spinal processes can be knocked out of alignment. In the worst cases, herniations occur to the cervical discs, which, in turn, may impinge upon the spinal cord. This may then result in numbness in the arms or hands, weakness, and even paralysis.
If you have been the victim of such a collsion, it is important to seek the right kind of medical professional to treat your injuries. Sometimes, a conservative approach, involving physical therapy or a course of spinal manipulation by a chiropractor is appropriate. In the worst cases, surgery may be the only option. Obviously, your health care professional is in the best position to make those determinations; however, it is part of our job at Accidental Injury Advocates, to do what our name implies--be an ADVOCATE for you in order for you to maximize your recovery from your injuries, and your recovery in terms of compensation for your injuries, as well. We can assist you in choosing the right health care professional, one who is not afraid to stand behind you in the event they are called upon to testify on your behalf in Court.
If you or a loved one have suffered a spinal injury, please don't hesitate--call us today toll free at
1-877-622-8656, or click on the "submit case" icon to contact us about your case.
*Leo Barnsley, et. al. "The Pathophysiology of Whiplash." Spine, Vol 7, No.3, Sep. 1993. |
