Whiplash is an injury usually caused by an automobile accident. This type of injury is very common if you are rear-ended (meaning a vehicle hits you from behind). When you are rear-ended, the impact causes your body to jerk suddenly which strains your neck and can cause whiplash. Since every single case of whiplash is unique, there is no one clear chiropractic treatment for all forms of whiplash. However, there is a lot a chiropractor can offer to someone suffering from whiplash.
Common Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash
Manipulation of the joints and spine, muscle relaxation, and muscle stimulation are the three most common chiropractic treatments for whiplash. During your first exam, your chiropractor will determine exactly how the whiplash affects your body and whether you need one or more of these treatment plans. In some cases, your chiropractor may also suggest lifestyle changes such as purchasing a more supportive chair for your home office or sitting with better posture to help with some of the pain.
Manipulation for Whiplash
Manipulation is a treatment for whiplash utilized when you are suffering from joint dysfunction. During this treatment, the chiropractor will gently move the afflicted joint towards the direction that it is restricted in. The goals of manipulation are to improve range of motion and relieve pain.
Muscle Relaxation or Stimulation for Whiplash
If you are suffering from muscle dysfunction, your chiropractor will use muscle relaxation and/or muscle stimulation. Muscle relaxation consists of gently stretching your muscles that are experiencing contractions or an excessive amount of tension. How vigorous the stretches will be varies depending on how tight your muscles are. A chiropractor will never use more strength than your muscles need to heal.
The chiropractor will also stimulate your muscles by applying gentle finger pressure to trigger points on your body in order to relieve pain resulting from your tightened and tense muscles. There are various pressure points all over your body that the chiropractor can apply gentle pressure to in order to relieve pain and help with all sorts of other problems.
Recovering from Whiplash
When a mild case of whiplash is properly treated, it should heal completely within six to nine months. Unfortunately, 20 percent of whiplash victims do continue to feel some pain and restricted range of motion for as long as two years after the accident. Fortunately, continued chiropractic care can help relieve some of the pain without the need to constantly take pain killers.
Keep in mind, whiplash injuries should always be treated by a trained chiropractor. Chiropractic care can be one of the most effective treatment options for whiplash. However, it can also be extremely dangerous if it is being performed by someone who is not licensed and trained to practice chiropractic care. Click here for more information on chiropractic services.
