What Does Research Say about the Effects of Whiplash in a Car Accident - Premier Alternative Health

Whiplash injuries are difficult to objectify and pose a challenge to clinicians.  Proper diagnosis is important to determine what types of injuries are producing patient symptoms.  Ettlin et al (2008) examined myofascial findings in a cross-sectional study of whiplash victims comparing them to patients with fibromyalgia, non-traumatic chronic cervical syndrome, endogenous depression and healthy controls. 

"They discovered whiplash had a significantly higher prevalence of positive trigger points in the semispinalis capitis muscle than the control groups.  This supports the hypothesis that the most severe musculoskeletal pathology after whiplash is found in the upper part of the cervical spine."  This study points out that “a mechanical trauma stimulates the release of excessive amounts of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and of intracellular calcium, which activates maximal local muscle contraction.  This cycle continues with increased metabolism, relative local ischemia and finally increased muscle contraction again.  Deactivation of the trigger points is a large part of the rehabilitation of patients suffering from whiplash type injuries.  

Treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident can be prolonged if not treated property.  The soon a patient starts care will help in a quicker and smother recovery.