CHAPTER 5
WHIPLASH IJURIES
What is it?
The spine consists of a series of vertebrae that are stacked on top of one
another from the neck to the pelvis. These vertebrae are connected and kept
in the correct position by the discs that are between the vertebrae and also the
facet joints that are located on the side of the vertebral bodies which interlock
with one another. There are also supporting ligaments and tendons. The discs
between the two adjacent vertebrae are composed of a central, soft, jelly-like
substance called the nucleus pulposus and an outer, tougher fibrous part
called the annulus fibrosus. See the chapter Anatomy of the Spine.
This injury is caused when the neck is forcefully jerked backward and then
forward. When the neck is forcefully flexed forward, the movement is
stopped by the chin hitting the chest. There is, however, no barrier to stop the
neck from going backward and the main function of headrests in cars is to
limit this movement. When the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked, for
instance during a motor vehicle accident where the car is hit from behind,
there is tremendous strain on the tissues of the neck. The muscles, tendons,
vertebrae, discs and joints can be damaged.
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