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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Whiplash Can be a Lifetime Trauma if not Treated


The mechanical relationship between the head and neck has been crudely compared to a brick attached to a flexible rod. As the structural mass of the head is so much greater than that of the neck, it is no wonder that injuries of the neck are so prevalent. Even the person with a short neck and well-developed neck muscles and ligaments is not free of potential injury.


Neck sprain and disc rupture are usually associated with severe pain and muscle spasm and are more common in adults because of the reduced elasticity of supporting tissues. Pain is often referred when the brachial plexus is involved. Cervical stiffness, muscle spasm, spinous process tenderness, and restricted motion are common. When pain from either a soft-tissue or vertebral lesion occurs, it is often poorly localized and referred to the occiput, shoulder, between the scapulae, arm or forearm (lower cervical lesion), and may be accompanied by pain radiating to the arm. Muscle clues may point to a nerve lesion.

1. Stage of Acute Inflammation and Active Congestion

Following soft-tissue neck trauma without emergency airway complications, the major goals are to control pain and reduce swelling by vasoconstriction, compression, and elevation; to prevent further irritation, inflammation, and secondary infection by disinfection, protection, and rest; and to enhance healing mechanisms.

2. Stage of Passive Congestion

The major goals are to control residual pain and swelling, provide rest and protection, prevent stasis, disperse coagulates and gels, enhance circulation and drainage, maintain muscle tone, and discourage adhesion formation.
3. Stage of Consolidation and/or Formation of Fibrinous Coagulant

The major goals are the same as in Stage 2 plus enhancing muscle tone and involved tissue integrity and stimulating healing processes.
4. Stage of Fibroblastic Activity and Potential Fibrosis

At this stage, causes for pain should be corrected but some local tenderness likely exists. The major goals are to defeat any tendency for the formation of adhesions, taut scar tissue, and area fibrosis and to prevent atrophy.

5. Stage of Reconditioning
At this stage the goal is to femold the tissue to further reduce scar tissue that has formed to increase mobility as well as decrease the possibility of re-injury. With less scar tissue, the elasticity of the tissue can be preserved and exercises can begin to be incorporated.
Reducing the effects of Whiplash trauma will require significant therapy to completely heal, even with very minor injuries or accidents. Considering the alternative is lifetime pain, the choice is an easy one. If you have any questions on this or any other subject please call us at


Bode Chiropractic Accident & Wellness Center
13694 WHillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL 33635
(813) 891-1600

Go to Dr Garrett Bode's website http://www.bodespinalcenter.com/ or see our latest press release (Click Here). [Chiropractor oldsmar], Chiropractic Tampa, 33635, Chiropractors Tampa, Bode Chiropractic Accident & Wellness Center, Oldsmar, 33635, Neck Pain, Low Back Pain, Automobile Accidents, Headaches. Link Link http://fl.local.yahoo.biz/chiropractortampa/

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