Motor Vehicle Accident and Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration injury to the head and neck. While the most prevalent whiplash injuries occur in a rear-end motor vehicle accident, they can also result from other types of motor vehicle accidents as well as from high-contact sports. Upon impact, the head and neck is carried abruptly in one direction – acceleration – then carried in the opposite direction in slower momentum – deceleration. The levels of impact the head and neck can take is surprising!
When the head and neck is impacted at a high velocity, the muscles take a heavy beating. Pain, stiffness, decreased ranges of motion of the head and neck and headaches are common symptoms of whiplash. These symptoms result when muscles are strained during acceleration-deceleration. After the injury, muscles stay guarded to prevent further damage and to attempt repair. With this guarding mechanism, pain, stiffness and reduced ranges of motion of the head and neck occur.
Muscle guarding of the head, neck, upper back and shoulders associated with the whiplash injury are held for prolonged periods of time, and can develop trigger points. Trigger points are hyperirritable spots commonly known as “knots” within a muscle. These trigger points can cause referred pain within muscles of the head and neck, further adding to the pain experienced from the initial injury. They can also cause and exacerbate dizziness, nausea and headaches.
In addition, scar tissue will develop. When a muscle is injured, an inflammatory process begins to repair the damaged tissue. As a result of the inflammatory process, scar tissue may develop, especially if the affected area is left untreated. Once developed, scar tissue can affect the integrity of the muscle, compromising its normal length and strength.
By seeking treatment in the early stages after injury (motor vehicle accident, falls, and sports related injury) these effects can be controlled and minimized markedly. Massage therapy significantly helps with pain reduction, loosens tight muscles, breaks down scar tissue and releases trigger points. Treatment effects results in improved tissue repair and prevents further scar tissue development, allowing for faster pain free return to normal activities of daily living.
For more information on how we can help you recover from a motor vehicle accident, please give us a call at 416-926-0084.