It’s true.

In 80% of whiplash-injured patients, pain begins the day of the motor vehicle collision and 40% of people develop chronic pain.

But what you may not know is that even in cases where there is a delay in time between the collision and the onset of pain, 20% of people will develop chronic pain; 5% to 12% will experience chronic moderate to severe pain; and 5% to 10% of whiplash-injured patients will have permanent partial or total disability.

That’s according to a 2007 article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (“Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders: An evidence-based approach”).

In the treatment of chronic neck pain, exercise is recommended as helpful to strengthening the weak muscle groups but “exercise alone is rarely curative.”

Furthermore, the article observes that spinal manipulation is one of the most popular treatments for chronic neck pain, and it can be beneficial.

We at Evergreen Chiropractic are dedicated to helping people free themselves from chronic pain. It’s not just about temporary relief; it’s about helping your body heal for life.

Yours in health,

Evergreen Chiropractic

1666 E Olive Way

Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 323-1666

www.evergreenchiropractic.com

Reference: Schofferman J, Bogduk N, and Slosar P. “Chronic whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders: An evidence-based approach.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. October 2007;15(10):596-606

Schofferman J, Bogduk N, Slosar P.

Asked how many Americans have died from car accidents since the invention of the automobile compared to the number who have died in wars, Marilyn vos Savant in the March 5, 2006 issue of Parade did the math:

“The comparison is stunning. Since the start of the Revolution in 1775, about a million Americans have died in wars. Since Henry Ford introduced the mass-produced motorcar in 1913, more than 2.5 million Americans have met their deaths on the road.”

Reference: “Ask Marilyn.” Parade, March 5, 2006, pg. 6

The roads can be dangerous. Please be safe out there.

Yours in health,

Evergreen Chiropractic

1666 E Olive Way

Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 323-1666

http://evergreenchiropractic.com

The article “Whiplash: Fact or Fiction?” (Jeff S. Silber, MD, et al) in the January 2005 American Journal of Orthopedics takes on the challenge of finding the truth about the condition, which afflicts countless car accident victims across the country.

The article identifies many important points about whiplash, including the following:

• “Any rotation of the head or neck at the time of impact increases the forces imparted to the cervical facet joints and capsular structures, which are believed to be the source of neck pain.”
• “Rotation of the head (pretorque) and neck position at time of impact increases the force imparted to cervical anatomical structures, especially the cervical facet joints and capsular structures.”
• “Just before a rear-end collision, drivers often rotate the head to look into the rearview mirror.” (This increases facet capsule strain leading to injury.)
• “Many patients with chronic neck symptoms reported having the head rotated at time of impact (before the collision), and such rotation creates pretorque to the facet joints,” and increased facet capsular strain.

Whiplash is a real condition. If you are suffering from whiplash from an auto accident, you should be checked out. Click here to read more information about whiplash.

Yours in health,

Evergreen Chiropractic

1666 E Olive Way

Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 323-1666

www.evergreenchiropractic.com

The Washington State Senate has toughened its cell phone driving law, which may mean fewer auto accidents and fewer injuries down the road.

As reported by the Associated Press, the Senate passed a measure on Friday, Februrary 5, 2010 that makes it a primary offense to text or talk on a cell phone without a headset:

On a 33-15 vote Friday, the Senate passed a bill that makes it a primary offense to be caught holding a cell phone to your ear while driving, or to be reading, writing or sending text messages. That strengthens the state’s current secondary offense law, which only slaps drivers with an extra fine if they are pulled over for another infraction, such as speeding.

Police are now free to pull over drivers for texting or talking without a headset and issue them a $124 ticket.

This change to the law is a positive step toward protecting the safety and health of drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians across the state.

Here’s hoping that other states (Washington is one of six with similar primary offense laws) will follow suit.

Yours in health and safety,

Evergreen Chiropractic

Evergreen Chiropractic Capitol Hill

1666 E Olive Way

Seattle, WA 98102

(206) 323-1666