Whiplash Injuries:

Whiplash injuries are caused by rear-end collisions. A tremendous volume of research has been conducted to determine the amount and extent of these injuries. Because in most cases these are not life threatening, the insurance industry, spouses of the victims and doctors really do not understand the ordeal that these individuals are suffering through. In almost every instance, the whiplash patient was the victim of someone else's neglect. Furthermore, in almost every instance, the occupant was unaware of the impending collision and unable to brace themselves. This single factor may be one of the most important reasons why whiplash injuries are so misunderstood.

Gender plays an important role in whiplash injuries. Research shows that females suffer at a greater degree than males. They are more likely to suffer for a longer period of time and more likely to develop chronic problems and/or permanent impairment from these injuries. Some theories are that the female neck is less muscular, has a smaller circumference, and in some cases is longer than those of males, which would all lead to greater forces involved in the creation of their injuries.

The first phase of a whiplash injury occurs between 0-100 milliseconds after impact. In this phase, the car may move only 4-6 inches while the occupant remains motionless. The occupant's hips and lower back will move forward and generally upward in the seat. The neck will accelerate upwards at a rate ranging from 0.3 g's to 2.0 g's of force (g = the force of gravity = 32ft/sec 2).

The second phase of a whiplash injury can occur 100-200 milliseconds after impact. In this phase the seat back will reach its maximum flexion. The head, while remaining motionless since no direct force is being applied to it, will appear to go backward as the g force and momentum applied to the torso continue to push it forward, depending on the speed. At around 5 mph it may pull up to 5 g's of force.

In the third phase of a whiplash injury (200-300 milliseconds after impact), the shoulders and upper body can reach a height of 3-4 inches above their original position. The head and neck will reach their maximum rotation and extension. The head then begins to accelerate forward and the rest of the body starts to lower.

In the fourth phase of a whiplash injury (300-400 milliseconds after impact), the body is moving with the seat and the restraint creates a forward deceleration of the head which can be at around 2 g's. After this phase the occupant is moving in sync with the car.

Some of the injuries that can be sustained in a whiplash situations are as follows:

• Injuries to the head and neck
  
• Brain injuries (generally minor brain injuries or concussions)
  
• Spinal and Clavicle fractures
  
• Herniations of the spinal disks
  
• Soft tissue injuries
  
• Back injuries
  
• Internal injuries - sometimes caused by lap belts
  
• Bruises
  
• Abrasions (scrapes) - sometimes from the shoulder restraint
  
• Jaw injuries
  
• Chest injuries

In many instances, symptoms of these injuries will not occur immediately. Instead they may take 24-72 hours to manifest themselves. Some of the common symptoms for the above injuries include:

• Pain to the neck and back
  
• Headache
  
• Blurred vision
  
• Dizziness
  
• Loss of taste, smell, or hearing
  
• Numbness or tingling
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Fatigue
  
• Blood in urine or stool
  
• Swelling
  
• Loss of motion to the area/stiffness/tightness
  
• Visualized bruising
  
• Shoulder and arm pain
  
• Jaw pain

These are not all of the types of injuries reported from rear-end accidents. If you have been involved in one of these it is important that you consult a professional in your area for an examination or consultation.