Acceleration-Deceleration Syndromes (AKA Whiplash)

Whiplash is a common injury resulting from acceleration-deceleration forces, most often associated with motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Despite sometimes being viewed as a minor injury, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can cause significant and long-lasting symptoms.

Quick Statistics

• 83% of individuals involved in MVAs develop a whiplash-associated disorder.

• Even low-speed collisions (as low as 5 MPH) can result in whiplash.

• 50% of those injured report persistent symptoms one year after the accident.

• Some individuals experience symptoms that persist for up to 20 years post-accident.

More Than Just Neck Pain

Whiplash injuries may include:

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Headaches

• Jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)

• Cognitive issues ("brain fog")

• Low back pain

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Dizziness or vertigo

Factors That Can Worsen Whiplash Severity

Several factors can influence the severity of a whiplash injury:

• Improper Headrest Position: A headrest that is too low or too far back can force the neck into a vulnerable position during impact.

• Head Position at Time of Impact: If your head is rotated or turned, the neck is less stable, increasing injury risk.

• Gender Differences: Women are at higher risk of whiplash injuries due to differences in neck musculature, structure and their height in the seat.

• Awareness of the Collision: People who are unaware of the impending collision are 15x more likely to experience long-lasting symptoms compared to those who are aware and brace for impact.

Why See a Chiropractor After a Whiplash Injury?

Chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and are uniquely trained to assess and treat whiplash-associated disorders.

Chiropractic care can:

• Restore joint mobility and function

• Relieve localized pain

• Reduce muscle tension

• Improve range of motion

• Decrease nerve irritation

• Address associated symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and back pain

Through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, chiropractors can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and support long-term recovery. *written by Intern Natalie Stair References: Lawson GE, Nolet PS, Little AR, Bhattacharyya A, Wang V, Lawson CA, Ko GD. Medial Branch Blocks for Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain Etiology and Use in Chronic Pain Litigation. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020 Jan;17(21):7932. Link

1. Siegmund, G.P.; Winkelstein, B.A.; Ivancic, P.C.; Svensson, M.Y.; Vasavada, A. The Anatomy and biomechanics of acute and chronic whiplash injury. Traffic Inj. Prev. 2009, 10, 101–112.

2. Curatolo, M.; Bogduk, N.; Ivancic, P.C.; McLean, S.A.; Siegmund, G.P.; Winkelstein, B.A. The role of tissue damage in whiplash-associated disorders. Spine 2011, 36, S309–S315.