In Trauma Series #15 we established that pre-existing arthritis renders the whiplash victim more susceptible to bodily injury in trauma. We further find in a rear-impact victim without arthritis, there may be nerve root compression.

However, when there are spondylolytic changes (arthritis) in the foramina (hole between the vertebrate), the ‘injury risk greatly increases and spreads to include both multiple cervical ganglia (bundles of nerves) and nerve roots.”

Reference: Panjabi, M. M., Maak, T. G., Ivancic, M., & Ito, S. (2006). Dynamic intervertebral foramen narrowing during simulated rear impact. Spine, 31(5), E128-E134.

This was concluded by Panjabi, Maak, Ivancic, and Ito (2006), who also concluded that these “injuries may lead to permanent structural damage causing chronic radicular symptoms.”

Radicular symptomatology includes pain, weakness and numbness in the upper extremities. It should be noted that since spondylolytic changes in the foramen are present in most arthritics, this is a very common finding.

Disc Centers of America, works with disc cases all over the world. Only DCOA doctors are certified to utilize TDC Therapy. DCOA doctors receive ongoing training, research and are acknowledged by the International Medical Advisory Board on Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and the International Disc Education Association.

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