Whiplash Treatment
Effective Chiropractic Care after a Whiplash Injury
Accident Injury Doctors | Comprehensive Care
Though whiplash is most commonly the result of a motor vehicle accident, you can suffer the same type of injury in a slip and fall or as a result of other traumatic accidents. Because a whiplash injury often involves a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it is essential that you seek immediate and qualified treatment any time you have been in an accident where your head, shoulder or neck have violently snapped back and forth. Ever if there are no signs of brain injury, the sooner you seek chiropractic treatment of a whiplash injury, the greater the likelihood that you’ll maximize range of motion and minimize any potential discomfort.
With chiropractic care, you can effectively respond to a whiplash injury, with treatment that is non-invasive and doesn’t use drugs to temporarily mask your pain. The techniques used by a chiropractor will help minimize swelling and inflammation, increase flexibility and range of motion, and reduce any potential discomfort.
What Is Whiplash?
A whiplash injury occurs when your head is violent thrust either side to side or forward and backward, often the result of impact with a stationary object. Whiplash injuries are most commonly sustained in motor vehicle accidents, but may also arise from falls or acts of physical violence. The force generated from the impact of a car accident forces your head from a resting position, snapping it back and forth like a whip. This violent and often unexpected shaking strains the spine and the muscles and tendons in your neck.
How Is Whiplash Diagnosed?
It’s common to experience stiffness, discomfort or loss of range of motion in your neck, shoulders and upper back after a whiplash injury. The full extent of your injury may be masked, however, by the adrenalin your body releases in response to trauma. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor immediately after any trauma to your head or neck, so that you know the full extent of your injuries. A chiropractor will perform physical tests to monitor your pain and range of motion. If the chiropractor suspects further underlying injuries, scans may be conducted to provide the much-needed insight into the condition of your spine, skull and brain.
Working with a chiropractor is a unique experience. You will never be rushed out of a chiropractor’s office. Because chiropractic care hinges upon providing sustainable relief to injuries at their source rather than the guess and check work of physicians, all chiropractors take time to listen to their patients.
The Treatment of Whiplash Pain and Discomfort
Though some whiplash injuries will heal on their own, it’s always a good idea to schedule an examination and assessment by a chiropractor after any whiplash-like injury. If your injury is minor, your chiropractor may simply prescribe plenty of rest, as well as ice and heat to reduce swelling or eliminate stiffness.
Your chiropractor may manipulate your neck to loosen up tight muscles, and will also look for spinal or other misalignments that can cause pain, stiffness or discomfort. If any misalignments are present, chiropractic adjustments can ensure proper posture and spine alignment. Physical rehabilitation can also ensure a fast and complete recovery from any neck, shoulder or back pain caused by whiplash.
The Importance of Continued Care
Once you receive a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition and any significant complications have been stabilized, you can expect your chiropractor to prescribe physical rehabilitation can help ensure that your neck regains its full strength and range of motion. Working with a chiropractor and physical therapist will provide you with the stretches and exercises you need to quickly and progressively recover from a whiplash injury.
Don’t let whiplash symptoms lead to chronic neck pain. Get the peace of mind of proactive and effective chiropractic care by sending us an e-mail or calling our office at (405) 600-7092.