In episode #003 of Neuromyofascial Science Today, host Patrick Wagner dives into the hidden complexities of whiplash and spinal injuries with the renowned Dr. G. Blair Lamb. This episode is inspired by Dr. Lamb’s groundbreaking audiobook, Newton’s Laws Do Not Apply, and sheds light on how kinetic energy impacts the severity of injuries during collisions, often leading to what he calls “invisible injuries.”
Key Highlights:
- Understanding Kinetic Energy and Injury Severity: Dr. Lamb explains the exponential relationship between speed and the severity of injuries, particularly in the context of car accidents and sports collisions.
- Invisible Injuries: Learn why current imaging technologies often miss significant spinal injuries and how neuromyofascial science is paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment.
- The Opioid Crisis Connection: The episode also explores the tragic link between untreated chronic pain from injuries like whiplash and the rise in opioid addiction, underscoring the urgent need for improved diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Notable Insights:
- Dr. Lamb describes how spinal muscles can develop “super contractures,” a type of scar tissue that can be stronger than steel, often remaining invisible to standard medical imaging.
- The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these invisible injuries to prevent long-term chronic pain and dependency on pain management solutions like opioids.
Conclusion: This episode offers a critical exploration of the unseen dangers of spinal injuries and the broader implications for public health. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how kinetic energy, invisible injuries, and the opioid crisis are interconnected, and what can be done to address these challenges.