Home Blog A Whiplash Victim With Mid-Back Pain Sees Dr. Tim Harcourt's, "Walk-In's Welcome" Sign Out Front Of The Office At 7270 College Parkway And Comes In For An Adjustment

A Whiplash Victim With Mid-Back Pain Sees Dr. Tim Harcourt's, "Walk-In's Welcome" Sign Out Front Of The Office At 7270 College Parkway And Comes In For An Adjustment

Nov 20, 2021 -- Posted by : Dr.Harcourt

When it comes to whiplash associated disorders (WAD), injury to the cervical spine is generally the focus, but what about the mid back? Can this area be injured in a whiplash event?

According to the available research, not only can the mid back become injured in an automobile accident, slip and fall, or sports collision, but it’s surprisingly common. A review of data concerning 6,481 patients who had been involved in a motor vehicle collision found that 66% reported mid-back pain (MBP) and 23% still experienced pain in this region a year later.

The mechanism of injury helps us understand how MBP may happen and why it is so common. The head weighs an average of 12 lbs (or ~5.4 kg)—similar to a bowling ball. The sudden acceleration and deceleration of the neck that occurs during whiplash can place significant strain on the soft tissues that connect the base of the skull with the mid and upper back.

A review of 38 studies that included over 50,000 WAD patients found that not only is MBP common following an automobile collision (over 60% based on the authors’ criteria), but mid-back pain intensity is higher in more severe WAD cases. Additionally, WAD patients experience heightened muscle activity in the neck and mid-back/scapular muscles, have an elevated risk for pinching the nerves that innervate the arm at both the neck and shoulder, are more likely to have myofascial pain and trigger points in the neck and mid-back muscles, and exhibit altered mid-back posture and reduced thoracic spine mobility.

Even if injury is isolated to the cervical spine, the mid back is not out of the woods. The thoracic spine can contribute to up to 33% and 21% of head-neck movement during cervical flexion and rotation, respectively. If mobility is reduced in the neck, then the thoracic spine must take on more of the load, which can increase the risk for overuse and injury.

Proper management of WAD requires treating the whole person and not restricting focus to just one area of the body, such as the neck. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to take this approach when evaluating a patient. Once a thorough examination has been completed, care often involves a multimodal approach that combines spinal manipulation, mobilization, and other manual therapies, along with specific exercises and nutritional recommendations to support the healing process.

So, if you have had a car accident in Fort Myers and you have neck pain, dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance and type in pain management near me, whiplash, or even car accident lawyer you may find Coast Chiropractic Centers with Dr. Timothy Harcourt, me, comes up. 

You may wonder, “Do I need an MRI scan of my neck or back.

Also, if you feel arm or leg pain it may indicate things are getting worse and” may indicate a bulge on the disc or worse yet a herniated disc in your neck and/or back. Shoulder pain is very common with whiplash and could require conservative treatment right away to avoid injections or worse yet, surgery.  A foggy brain may indicate a mild traumatic brain injury.  Persistent or worsening pain intensity and/or frequency necessitates a visit to see a professional. 

Call me, Dr. Tim Harcourt, at (239) 278-3344 and we will submit the bills to your auto carrier for payment.

Share:

Most Recent Posts

Chiropractic Care and Holistic Wellness: A Perfect Partnership

Discover how chiropractic care complements holistic wellness,…

How Chiropractic Care Helps You Stay Pain-Free in Florida's Heat

Discover how chiropractic care can help manage pain and discomfort…

Debunking Common Myths About Chiropractic Care

Discover the truth about chiropractic care by debunking common myths.…

How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Achieve Better Balance and Stability

Learn how chiropractic care enhances balance and stability by…

Chiropractic Care for Children: Safe and Effective Solutions for Common Issues

Discover the benefits of chiropractic care for children, offering safe…