Whiplash neck injuries are among the fastest growing health problems today. The

ever increasing number of automobiles rolling onto our congested streets and highways, the high speed of our freeway system, power brakes, and powerful engines all contribute to the growing frequency of the type of accident that can result in a whiplash neck injury.

A whiplash neck injury occurs as the result of a sudden whipping movement of the neck. This sudden, forceful movement often stretches or sprains the ligaments and muscles which hold the spinal segments within a critical range of movement or position. Failure of the holding ligaments to support the spine allows the spinal segments to become displaced, thus altering the normal mechanical balance of the spine. This increased stress results in eventual degenerative disease of the disc with spur formation and the spurs will occlude the spinal nerve openings.

It is important to note that virtually every person involved in a moving vehicle accident suffers a whiplash injury to some degree. Its symptoms are not always readily clear. Some individuals experience no pain or discomfort for weeks following an accident. Therefore, it is advisable to seek competent whiplash injury diagnosis following any auto accident. Left untreated, a whiplash injury can eventually open a veritable Pandora’s Box of painful chronic health problems that can eventually lead to a lifetime of misery.