Arm Pain After A Crash

I’ve watched multiple crash test footage of race cars and trucks and the one thing that stands out to me is how violent the footage is.  These crashes are a little on the extreme side due to the nature of the event.  However, when you look at the biomechanics of a crash and the results of the victims in the vehicle, they can be similar in motion. Arm pain is a very real injury that can happen to anyone.

One of the things that I have looked at and observed with each of the crash, is how useless their hands are on the steering wheel.  The ability to hold on is essentially non-existent.  This lets me think of two particular thoughts.  The first is the amount of direct force to the appendages of the body, ie. Arms and legs.  If you are trying to hold onto the steering wheel and the force is significant, there will be no way that you can do that.  This has me recall a research project that showed that it is impossible to tear a muscle upon concentric exercise.  What that means is that the contraction of the muscle to move an object can never be strong enough to tear the muscle.  For example, if you are trying to curl a barbell and the weight is greater than you can lift, you won’t be able to lift it.  It won’t tear the muscle, and it won’t strain it either.  You just can lift it.  However, on the contrary, if you are trying to lower the barbell, or eccentric exercise, and the weight is greater than you can successfully lower (Negative Curl let downs), then you become very prone to tearing a muscle, tendon, or ligament.

What does this have to do with a car crash?

The answer is…Everything! Let me explain.  If you are holding onto the steering wheel and bracing for the crash, and the force is stronger than you can hold, the type of force is identical to and eccentric exercise.  With that being said, the chances of injuring an arm, chest, back, or shoulder muscle upon impact is huge.  This is not even taking into account the possibility of breaking bone.  That’s a topic for another day.

The second thought that comes to mind is that of holding a child, as opposed to putting them in a car seat.  I remember the commercial years ago of a body builder holding a child, and saying that not even a body builder is strong enough to prevent this child from being ejected from the car from a 25 mph crash.  Bottom line, please, for the love of your children, don’t let them ride on your lap.  Even if the speed is only minimal. The chances of your child being ejected or seriously injured is immense.

If your arms or legs have been injured in a crash, there are things that we can do to help.  Whiplash Center of Utah is your St. George chiropractor dedicated, certified, and qualified to treat the injured.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your injuries improved or eliminated.  Call 435-674-7515 and we will take care of the rest.