The Problem of Low Speed Collisions

The problem of whiplash is wrought with controversy--some people still believe, even after twenty years of quality study, that it is a fictitious condition motivated by financial gain. But when the issue of whiplash injuries arising from low speed collisions comes up, even the most open-minded professionals are suspicious.

How is it that a person can be involved in a serious collision of 40 to 60 mph and walk away unscathed, while another person can be involved in a rear end collision of just 5 mph and have chronic symptoms?

Researchers have looked at the problem from the simple approach of tolerance of the body to handle force. Some of the earliest tests on rear end crashes reported that a human could withstand a rear end collision of 50 mph and a head on collision of 70 mph without injury--provided that the occupant was properly restrained and had protective gear in place.

So can the human body tolerate exceptionally high loads in certain directions, but is vulnerable when subjected to forces in other directions?

It has to do with what a rear end collision does and how the spine is built. To further understand why low speed whiplash can be hazardous, read on: Basic Whiplash Biomechanics.

 

 

Home | Combining Therapies | Meet the Specialists | Treatment
Free Consultation | Cost and Time | Car Accident | Location | Contact Us