(A review of the latest studies by Dr. George Cluen)
The upper cervical spine is exposed to tremendous forces during rear end collision, even when speeds are under 10 miles an hour. Research shows that ligaments can be stretched or torn, the muscles can be strained, and a new study from Yale shows that the nerves and spinal canal may also be at risk.
In this study, the author studied the biomechanics of a cadaver's cervical spine during a simulated whiplash motion. The spine was subjected to three types of tests: A crash of 7 mph with no head restraint, an active head restraint, and a modern whiplash protection system (like that of the Mercedes Benz M class models 2005 and newer.) The cervical canal houses the spinal cord, this area and the foraminal space was computed during each impact while researchers looked for evidence of spinal canal narrowing.
The study found that "Average peak canal and foramen narrowing could not be statistically differentiated" between the three types of tests.
The study concludes:
"While lower cervical spine cord compression during a rear crash is unlikely, our results demonstrated foraminal kinematics sufficient to compress spinal ganglia and nerve roots. Future anti-whiplash systems designed to reduce cervical injury may reduce radicular symptoms in whiplash patients."
Non-Scientist Translation:
7 mph is enough to compromise the space around the spinal cord and the connecting nerves momentarily, damage can be done.
This study shows that further seat design developments are needed and even with advanced head restraint technology, injury from rear end collisions is still possible.
Ivanic PC. Cervical neural space narrowing during simulated rear crashes with anti-whiplash systems. European Spine Journal 2012; January 24; Epub before print.
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