Neck Pain Post Whiplash

The torso and head move in opposite directions in an extremely short time period during a rear-end crash. This supports the data showing that the neck -- between the head and torso -- is the number one complaint resulting from whiplash. The complex network of bones, nerves, discs, blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles that make up the neck can all be injured in an accident. We will cover how these injuries affect various body parts.

Injury of the Muscles

The injury that is the most common type from an accident is muscle injury. Usually, people with a muscle injury caused by whiplash recover quickly, but for others it isn't as easy. Thoracic outlet syndrome and other nerve problems can result from scar tissue in the neck muscles.

After Whiplash Injury to the Muscles

In whiplash injury especially, there is an interesting role played by the muscles in the neck. Maintaining the head's posture and alignment is the responsibility of the neck muscles. As shown in the movie located on the right, during a collision of an auto, there is an exposure to stretch forces, that are dramatic, occurring to the neck muscles. The large muscles on the front of the neck are stretched due to the torso moving forward and the head rotating back during a crash. Following an accident, it is typical for many people to experience muscle pain in the neck area, which is usually a result of excessive stretching. Sadly, scar tissue can form in these muscles resulting in additional issues. Research has shown that conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome can be caused by this scar tissue, which affects the nerves of the neck. Neck muscle discomfort can also be cause by a ligament injury or a spine disc. Shoulder pain can also result from neck muscle injuries caused by whiplash.

Injury of the Ligaments

The body's bones are held together by fibrous bands of tissue which are ligaments. The bones in your spine are kept aligned by ligaments. (Click here to see Spinal Ligament Anatomy) In a motor accident, the head moves much more quickly than the torso, and this movement leads to shear forces between the spine joints. The animation located on the right shows how ligaments can be torn or stretched and the motion that the vertebrae experience. Scientific studies have proven repeatedly that whiplash can cause ligament injury. Here is where we have more facts about this issue. Select the title link to get more information on these injuries.