Why am I still suffering after my road traffic injury? Despite months of treatment.

According to a report produced by Transport Canada, in 2012, 122,000 people suffered a personal injury resulting from a Road Traffic Accident (RTA), and 10,000 people suffered serious injury. A common injury from RTA is whiplash.

A recent review of current treatments of whiplash (WAD) found that many were ineffective. Below are a number of quotes from the paper which highlight its findings:

"Exercise and mobilization programs for acute and chronic WAD had the strongest supporting evidence, although many questions remain regarding the relative effectiveness of various protocols."

"For the treatment of acute WAD, there was strong evidence to suggest that not only is immobilization with a soft collar ineffective, but it may actually impede recovery."

"While there was also evidence supporting the use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and methylprednisolone infusion, the evidence was insufficient to establish the effectiveness of either of these treatments."

"Although some evidence was identified to support the use of interdisciplinary interventions and chiropractic manipulation, the evidence was not strong for any of the evaluated treatments."

"Sterile water injections have been demonstrated to be superior to saline injections; however, it is not clear whether this treatment is actually beneficial."

"There is contradictory evidence regarding the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections, and cervical discectomy and fusion."

Why are current treatments so ineffective?

Current treatment of whiplash has a heavy bias towards physical therapy. While there is no doubt that whiplash does present with physical symptoms I propose that this approach fails to take account of possible underlying problems that may be holding back healing. With this in mind, when considering a treatment plan for somebody with an injury it is important to take account of:

1. Any physical injuries that were the result of the RTA e.g. fractures, disc herniations or prolapses, ligament or tendon tears.
2. Any pre-existing conditions or injuries that may affect healing.
3. Any conditions that may have been triggered by the RTA that may effect healing.
4. Status of lifestyle factors leading up to and after RTA including sleep patterns, relaxation practices, exercise and movement activities, quality of diet, stress and support system.

In my opinion, the reason why current physical treatments appear to be so ineffective is that they fail is that neglect to pay much attention to 3 and 4.

Lifestyle factors

Scientific and clinical experience has taught me that lifestyle factors are an important determinant of overall health. These factors which I like to call the pillar of health include:

• Sleep
• Exercise
• Diet
• Stress
• Social Support

Ensuring that these factors are as balanced as possible is vital if the body is going to heal.

Triggered conditions

An RTA may trigger physiological changes to your digestive and immune system that may hinder recovery.

• Concussion has been shown to cause reduced intestinal permeability (IP) or leaky gut. IP is associated with the development of food sensitivities, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation
• An RTA is a stressful event. Stress has also been linked to decreased intestinal permeability, reduced gut immunity, decreased stomach acid and reduced gut motility, all causing poor digestive function and inflammation.

An efficiently working digestive system is vital to good health and an effective immune system for healing.

In conclusion

If you are struggling with injuries from an RTA that are not responding to physical treatment you are not alone. Considering a Functional Medicine approach to your symptoms, one that looks at underlying factors and conditions, might lead to a better outcome.

Disclaimer

This article in not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.