Part 2: How does Whiplash Occur?

Whiplash is also known as Cervical Acceleration Deceleration or (CAD). It often occurs with a rear end collison which causes the vehicle to move forward from the impact. When this occurs the torso is shoved back into the seat, which loads the seatback. As a result, both the neck and head rise upwards, coming in contact with the headrest. Due to the position of the headrest, whiplash can occur. According to Dr. Brian Stemper (a Biomedical engineer at the Medical College of Wisconsin) "Whiplash injuries occur before the head rotates as its moving backward relative to the thorax; the key is the relationship between the head and the chest, Injuries tend to occur in the beginning phases of a car accident, he added, and women are five to percent more susceptible to the injury because of the flexibility in their cervical spines."

Read more about Whiplash in our Special Whiplash series:
Part 1: Can whiplash cause shoulder pain?
Visit us on the web at arc4life.com

Treatment of Neck Pain after a Whiplash Accident: Results of Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010

Whiplash and neck pain are complex injuries that involve the delicate soft tissues and nerves of the neck. They are often due to a motor vehicle accident or another type of trauma. Even car accidents at low speeds can produce significant neck injury. These patients also suffer with midback pain, lower back pain, arm pain, as well as headaches and vertigo (dizziness). For some people, the symptoms go away quickly, but for others their suffering can last for years.

There are many different treatment options for neck pain. Chiropractors, Medical Doctors, Osteopaths, and Surgeons all treat neck pain in a different fashion. Some neck pain sufferers will try home remedies, physical therapists, personal trainers, and massage therapy. It can be fustrating to decide what type of treatment to persue and what will work for you.

The Medical Journal SPINE recently published the results of a best-evidence review of all neck pain treatments. The Bone and Joint Decade task force reviewed literature of non surgical non-invasive treatments from 1980-2006. 139 papers were considered scientifically valid for review and covered topics such as:

• educational videos
• mobilization (deep stretching movements)
• manual therapy (done by hand)
• low level laser therapy
• exercises
• accupuncture

Also, researchers also looked at costs and safety of treatments. There conclusion was that treatments involving manual therapy and exercise are more effective than alternative strategies for neck pain patients.

So before you make a decision as to how to treat your neck pain consider non drug, non surgical options for recovering from your whiplash.

Source: SPINE (Hurwitz, et al. Spine 2008;33:S123-52)

The Right Neck Pillow after a Car Accident....

Arc4life receives a lot of questions from our customers everyday. Our most popular question: Which neck pillow do you recommend for me? Many of our customers that order one of our neck pillows are in chronic pain, usually from one or more motor vehicle accidents. A motor vehicle accident can cause pain in the neck for long term, especially if it not treated properly right away.

In this month of June, we received two emails about our cervical traction neck pillow that we would like to share with you today. You can see how even after multiple car accidents you can still find the right pillow.

"I want to shout out loud for the joyful pain-free mornings I'm having since ordering the cervical traction pillow! Injured in a near fatal car accident over 20 years ago...the pain in my neck had increasingly worsened. Each day I'd awake with the sensation that the weight of something like a bowling ball was on my head pushing my neck down between my shoulder blades. I hurt nearly round the clock. I've tried every neck pillow known to man. I honestly thought there was just nothing out there to provide relief. The day I found your blog, I'd awakened that morning and literally prayed, God, if there is a pillow out there to help me...WHERE IS IT???!!!! Then, that very afternoon...I found IT! I had relief from the first moment I laid down on it, and every morning since. If you're reading this note and can't decide whether or not to spend the money for a pillow...let me admonish you--GET IT!! It is going to shock and amaze you as it makes your neck pain a distant memory. No joke. I am so very glad I found this.."- M.K, 06/08/2008

"I Received my Cervial Traction Neck Pillow 4 days after ordering and I live in Hawaii...superior personal customer service. I have had 2 cervical surgeries (auto accident) with a titanium cage from C4-7 mounted on C8. With limited head movement there has never been a pillow that protects my head long enough to get a nights sleep. As a last resort, I researched neck pillows and found Arc4life. After ten years of neck, head and shoulder pain, I can honestly say that I am pain free all day and look forward to going to bed and getting up in the morning....one of the first things that was obvious to me is my corrected posture and neck strength.....I never imagined that a pillow could make an entire difference in my life and health.....and for that reason, I am passing your web site to everyone I know along with this testimonial.....it is not only my miracle pillow, but a prevential aid for anyone who has neck discomfort due to accident or aging. By the way, the pillow worked for me the minute I laid my head on it.....A big MAHALO (thank you) for your excellent product and service." - Eileen. K, 06/23/2008
P.S. A very special thank you to NJ, you were so informative, patient , professional and a delight to talk to.

Visit us at Arc4life.com