Whiplash And Chiropractic Care

Jul 15, 2020
Whiplash is, unfortunately, a common injury to the muscles in the neck that can occur when the head is rapidly moved backward or forward and then quickly “whipped” in the opposite direction.

An impact, collision, or injury are all capable of causing the head to suddenly jerk back and forth beyond its normal limits. It takes mere moments for the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine to be overstretched as well as discs between the vertebrae to possibly bulge, tear, or rupture. Whiplash causes short-term or acute neck pain and restricted movement and even long term chronic pain.

Common symptoms of whiplash:

  • Neck pain and stiffness.
  • Pain in the arms, upper back, and shoulders.
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Headaches particularly the back of the head.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Vertigo or dizziness.
  • Sleep difficulty.
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Whiplash And Chiropractic Care

  1. Chiropractic Adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments with spinal manipulation require determining the area in the neck that is misaligned and repositioning them back into their proper place. A chiropractor may apply swift but gentle thrust in the desired direction as well as slow mobilizing movements to achieve this. Since a whiplash injury could have also aggravated a herniated or bulging disc, chiropractors may also choose a flexion-distraction technique. This is a hands-on, gentle, non-thrusting spinal manipulation to ease the herniated discs. By placing your neck into proper alignment, relief can be obtained and the body will be able to function and repair itself better.
  2. Muscle Stimulations / Relaxation. One of the primary whiplash treatments used by chiropractors for related muscle dysfunction is muscle stimulation and/or relaxation. This includes gentle stretches to the muscles that are experiencing excessive tension and repeated contractions of the muscle that is restricted. If the muscles are too tight, the chiropractor applies a more vigorous stretch. Gentle finger pressure technics may be applied to ease the pain related to tight muscles.
  3. Lifestyle Changes To Improve Ergonomics. Your chiropractor will address factors in an individual’s work, home, or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that result from the whiplash accident. Recommendations and suggestions will help to perform everyday activities with minimal strain on the body.
  4. Diet And Supplements. It may not be your first thought, however, diet often holds the key to reducing the inflammation caused by whiplash. Diet will emphasize the importance of fruits, vegetables, nuts, healthy fats, and lean protein, all of which are known to help reduce inflammation and help the body heal faster and reducing the associated pain and discomfort.  Avoid sugar, refined grains, most desserts, and processed snack foods, as they can exacerbate inflammation.

The Takeaway

Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement or jarring of the head, backward, forward, or sideways, are referred to as 'Whiplash'. Chiropractic care during the healing phase of a whiplash injury can be very beneficial. It can shorten recovery time from the injury, increase range of motion, reduce muscle tension and pain, and improve blood flow.

If you have experienced whiplash, regardless of how severe the symptoms are at the moment, it is important to have your chiropractor evaluate you. This will not only provide relief from pain but also hope to avoid long term complications.

Contact us today! Family Chiropractic Plus is dedicated to your overall health and well-being. Which is why we offer regular chiropractic adjustments in order to restore your body’s natural state of optimal health, while also providing it with the support it needs to heal from any injury, big or small. 
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