Dr Adriaan Liebenberg My Spine Explained | Page 50

CHAPTER 9
WHIPLASH INJURIES
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 interlock with one another. There are also supporting liga-
ments 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.
A whiplash 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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