Whiplash
Description
Whiplash is predominantly a byproduct of the motor car age. Only in modern cars, secured by a seat belt, does the average person ( driver or passenger) get exposed to the forces necessary to induce “whiplash”.
Causes
This is a very descriptive term. Basically, if someone is stopped, say at a light, when the car coming from behind fails to stop in time, the force will send the occupant/s forward. Formerly, they would hit the windshield. However, injury occurs, when the seatbelts halt this action for the main torso but the head follows its own path, reaching the limit of forward flexion before being extended backwards in an “equal and opposite reaction”. Instead of head trauma, upon hitting the windshield, there is trauma involving the neck musculature. If the forces are sufficient, the neck can be broken.
Sufficiently high forces may also be developed in football (hence the wearing of cervical collars) and rodeo events.
This has been the reason for the head pieces added to the seats in most of today’s cars. This limits the distance of travel available to the head.
Signs & Symptoms
The neck musculature will be strained, ligaments will be sprained and vertebra/e may be subluxated, or even fractured. The victim will usually be x-rayed and provided with a soft collar. Pain will increase over the next 24 hours, as swelling progresses and in chronic cases may continue indefinitely.
Even in mild cases, pain-free neck motion may not resume for several weeks.
At this stage, the appearance could be similar to that of wry neck (torticollis). However, whiplash specifically involves the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck, as occurs in motor vehicle accidents.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Joint Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Chondroitin Sulfate* | |
| Glucosamine Sulfate* | |
| Proteolytic Enzymes* | |
| Proanthocyanidins* | |
| Silica | 500 mg |
| Vitamin B Complex | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 5,000 mg |
| Zinc | 50 mg |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Complex carbohydrates, notably fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to the healing of soft tissues. Along with these minerals:
Chromium (e.g. lobster and cheese);
Magnesium (beans, grains, nuts and squashes); and
Silicon (oats and rice).
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Stiff neck, pain travels down back | Cimicifuga racemosa tinct. |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Goldenseal (poultice)
Mustard (pultice)
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
"Stiff neck":
| Basil Essence, | Clary Sage Essence, |
| Ginger Essence, | Lavender Essence, |
| Peppermint Essence, | Rosemary Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sprain
Strained Muscle
Wry Neck
References
Beaus-B et al: [Posttraumatic retropharyngeal hematoma of delayed onset] Acta-Otorrinolaringol-Esp. 1994 Nov-Dec; 45(6): 473-6.
Borchgrevink GE et al., Personality profile among symptomatic and recovered patients with neck sprain injury, measured by MCMI-I acutely and 6 months after car accidents. J Psychosom Res, 1997 Apr, 42:4, 357-67.
Byers, PM et al The need for aggressive nutritional intervention in the injured patient: the development of a predictive model. J Trauma 1995 Dec;39(6):1103-8; discussion 1108-9.
Chuntrasakul, C et al: Early nutritional support in severe traumatic patients. J Med Assoc Thai 1996 Jan;79(1):21-6. ;
D'Eramo, AL et al: Nutritional aspects of the orthopaedic trauma patient. Orthop Nurs 1994 Jul-Aug;13(4):13-20; quiz 20-1.
Ellis PS: The pathology of fatal child abuse. Pathology, 1997 May, 29:2, 113-21.
Ellis SJ: Tremor and other movement disorders after whiplash type injuries. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 1997 Jul, 63:1, 110-2
Gargan M et al., The behavioural response to whiplash injury. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 1997 Jul, 79:4, 523-6.
Haseler LJ et al., Evidence from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy for a metabolic cascade of neuronal damage in shaken baby syndrome. Pediatrics, 1997 Jan, 99:1, 4-14.
Loudon JK et al., Ability to reproduce head position after whiplash injury. Spine, 1997 Apr 15, 22:8, 865-8
Olson VL: Whiplash-associated chronic headache treated with home cervical traction. Phys Ther, 1997 Apr, 77:4, 417-24
O'Shaughnessy, T: Latent dysfunctions resulting from unresolved trauma -induced head & neck injuries. Funct Orthod 1995 Mar-Apr;12(2):22-4,26, 28.
Provinciali, L et al: Multimodal treatment to prevent the late whiplash syndrome. Scand J Rehabil Med 1996 May;28(2):105-11.
Radanov, BP et al: Factors influencing recovery from headache after common whiplash. BMJ 1993 Sep 11;307(6905):652-5.
Robinson ME et al., The Coping Strategies Questionnaire: a large sample, item level factor analysis. Clin J Pain, 1997 Mar, 13:1, 43-9
Shikora, SA: Approaches to nutritional support for battle casualties and trauma : current military practice and lessons learned from the civilian sector. Mil Med 1995 Jun;160(6):312-7.
Smed A: Cognitive function and distress after common whiplash injury. Acta Neurol Scand, 1997 Feb, 95:2, 73-80.
Spitzer, WO et al: Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash -Associated Disorders: redefining " whiplash " and its management. Spine 1995 Apr 15;20(8 Suppl):1S-73S.
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