How Chiropractic Care May Help Treat Whiplash
For those who have experienced whiplash at some point in their life, the word can easily make them wince. The painful condition, generally caused by a sudden intense movement of the neck, can trigger nerve pressure and long-term stiffness. Whiplash is usually the result of an automobile accident, with the most common occurrence being when a person is rear-ended. The powerful impact of the accident can cause the neck to jerk forward and back – a very unnatural move for this part of the body.
Chiropractic treatments have shown great promise in the treatment of whiplash. The core of chiropractic care is ensuring the overall health and alignment of the spine and vertebrae within. When a person experiences whiplash, it can cause subluxations, especially in the upper part of the back and neck. These subluxations are defined as when vertebrae are misaligned, potentially causing nerve pressure and blockage. This pressure can cause a lot of the pain and stiffness in whiplash patients, which is why many of them opt to add chiropractic care to their treatment plans.
During an initial examination, the chiropractor will assess the spinal column and check for any subluxations. Using gentle spinal adjustment methods, the chiropractor will correct any of these misalignments, putting vertebrae back where they belong. This will relieve any nerve pressure and get the blood flowing through the affected area. The chiropractor may also recommend other therapies in addition to regular adjustments in order to boost recovery time and reduce any pain or inflammation. This may include muscle stimulation, light stretches or ultrasound.
The chiropractor may also recommend physical therapy if the injury is especially severe. This therapy can work in conjunction with chiropractic treatments in order to safely and (hopefully) quickly heal whiplash. It is important to always follow wellness plans exactly as they are prescribed, unless something doesn’t feel right. When patients experience pain or other abnormal feelings when undergoing treatments, they must always speak up in order to ensure optimum recovery and prevent further injury.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Alec Mills