- whip·lash [hwip-lash, wip-] noun: a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking backward, forward or both of the head.
More Safety…
Each and every year car manufacturers are coming out with new ways to make cars safer. In 1958 Saab was the first Automobile company to 
make seat belts standard equipment. In 1959 Volvo was the first to introduce the modern, three-point seat belt. Airbags were experimentally used by GM and Ford as early as the 1971 but were not common place until the 1990′s. In the 21st century, airbag usage has expanded to side-impact air bags, knee airbags and in recent models seatbelt airbags. Modern cars even have blind spot alerts, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control all in an attempt to minimize car crashes and the injuries that result.
Whiplash on the rise…
Even with all the increased safety features, studies indicate that whiplash injuries are on the rise. More rigid cars, stiffer seat backs and a general lack of concern for the low-speed crashworthiness of vehicles are the most likely explanations for the increased number of whiplash injuries. It is estimated that 3 million new whiplash injuries occur each year in the United States alone. Sadly, only about 25% of whiplash victims seek treatment from a chiropractor in spite of the fact that studies have demonstrated that chiropractic management of whiplash can be remarkably successful. Other studies demonstrate that chiropractic management of chronic spinal pain is significantly more effective (both short-term and long-term) than medicine or acupuncture. The bottom line is that even if other treatments like medicine and acupuncture are necessary, it is in the crash victims best interest to be under the care of a chiropractor who is well versed in whiplash injuries.
