Whiplash often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but it can also be caused by sports injury and other trauma. The Mayo Clinic defines whiplash as, “a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip.”
Symptoms of whiplash often include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. It could take several days before you start to feel the effects of whiplash. The symptoms usually ease within a few months of treatment, but in some occurrences, people are left with chronic pain, as well as a host of ongoing complications.
Each individual case is different, so treatment will vary, but these are a few pain management techniques that chiropractors commonly employ for cases of whiplash:
Manipulation
Whiplash can result in joint dysfunction, which refers to an immobilized joint. Spinal manipulation, often referred to as a chiropractic adjustment, is usually the primary chiropractic treatment for whiplash. Aimed at treating joint dysfunction, spinal manipulation involves the chiropractor gently moving the affected joint into the direction that it is restricted. The chiropractor will perform a short thrust or a slow movement to guide the joint.
Muscle Relaxation or Stimulation
Muscle dysfunction is another common effect of whiplash. It simply refers to excessive tension in the muscles. Muscle relaxation treatments focus on easing muscle dysfunction, and consist of gentle stretches of the affected muscle. The excessive tension in the muscle can cause pain. The chiropractor may use finger pressure techniques, applied to trigger points, in order to relieve the pain.
Stabilization and Sensorimotor Activities
Stabilization and Sensorimotor exercises may be used to correct movement patterns in everyday life. This whiplash treatment aids the neck muscles in maintaining stability, as well as trains the nervous system to have better control over movement patterns.
A Focus on Lifestyle Changes
A whiplash accident can cause certain dysfunctions in everyday activities. Chiropractors address these factors by teaching you better “use of self.” These improvements focus on reducing stress on your body that can result in chiropractic problems.
Whiplash Treatment at Advanced Wellness and Rehab
We supply responsive services for those that are suffering from whiplash. Our pain management specialists are committed to providing treatment plans that are effective and affordable. Every auto insurance policy contains Personal Injury Protection for everyone involved in a car accident. So call us today for your free consultation.
