In a car accident, whiplash is caused by jerking the head back and forth suddenly and forcefully. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and effective treatment for whiplash. In this article, we discuss whiplash symptoms and chiropractic care.
How Does Whiplash Happen?
Whiplash is a common injury caused by sudden and forceful back-and-forth head movements, which are frequently caused by rear-end car collisions.
This sudden movement strains the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, causing overstretching or tearing.
The victim’s car is initially pushed forward in a rear-end collision, but it rapidly decelerates due to braking or hitting the vehicle ahead. The deceleration causes the head to lag for a brief moment, resulting in a violent rocking motion that overstretched and tears the muscles and ligaments.
A bulging, tearing, or ruptured disc can limit the range of motion of the vertebrae, respectively, as can a misaligned vertebrae. The spinal cord and nerve roots can also be stretched, irritated, and compressed.
Symptoms Of Whiplash
Whiplash symptoms and signs can appear days after the injury and include the following:
- Arms tingling or feeling numb
- Arms, upper back, or shoulder pain or tenderness
- Decrease in neck range of motion
- Dizziness
- Increasing discomfort when moving the neck
- Stiffness and pain in the neck
- Usually beginning at the base of the skull, headaches
Chiropractic Care for Whiplash
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions. It is also an effective treatment plan for whiplash, and it can be achieved through any of these procedures:
1. Flexion-distraction technique
The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, hands-on approach that can be used in treating whiplash. Its non-thrusting nature makes it an ideal choice for such cases, offering a safe and effective method of spinal manipulation. This technique is versatile and can be used for conditions such as herniated discs and various spinal issues.
During the flexion-distraction procedure, chiropractors apply a targeted, slow pumping action to the region around your neck. They do this by gently manipulating the spine to alleviate pain and promote healing. This approach makes flexion-distraction an adaptable method within chiropractic care.
2. Instrument-assisted manipulation
Using a specific hand-held instrument, a chiropractor can treat whiplash without using force. Instrument-assisted manipulation is the approach to this. Without using thrusting motions, this device allows chiropractors to apply targeted force to the spine. This method tries to reduce pain and restore mobility by precisely targeting affected areas.
As an alternative to conventional thrusting adjustments, the instrument’s controlled application of force offers patients a gentle yet effective method of chiropractic care. With its focus on accuracy and customized therapeutic intervention, it is helpful for people looking for a more delicate and focused form of treatment for whiplash-related problems.
3. Specific spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation is particularly effective as a targeted treatment modality for whiplash symptoms. Chiropractors are skilled in knowing restricted or abnormal movement in spinal joints. They apply light thrusts to these joints using a sophisticated technique that restores the range of motion.
This exact manipulation causes a therapeutic stretch in soft tissues. Additionally, the process triggers nervous system responses and promotes the return of normal spinal function. The effectiveness of this approach is that it can mitigate the various symptoms linked to whiplash.
4. Trigger point therapy
Another treatment option for whiplash is trigger point therapy. To release muscle tension, a chiropractor will apply direct pressure to these particular points in the body.
Trigger points are tiny, sensitive spots in the muscles that, when pressed, can hurt. Referred pain, or pain experienced in a different area of the body, can be brought on by trigger points that are in an active state.
Trigger points are thought by chiropractors to be a potential cause of pain for whiplash victims. Chiropractors can help to relieve pain and release muscle tension by applying pressure to trigger points.
5. Graston technique
The Graston technique is an instrument-assisted method used by chiropractors to treat whiplash and soft tissue injuries. This technique involves carefully applying repeated strokes to the affected area with a specialized instrument. The chiropractor hopes to release tension, lessen inflammation, and speed up the healing process by doing this.
When it comes to promoting mobility and breaking down scar tissue, the Graston technique is helpful. Chiropractors can precisely target specific areas with this hands-on approach. This way, they can give patients a non-invasive and efficient way to manage pain and improve their overall musculoskeletal well-being.
6. Exercise
To help with whiplash, a customized exercise program aimed at improving the strength and flexibility of the neck’s muscles and ligaments is frequently recommended by chiropractors. These specific exercises are designed to improve cervical stability and resilience.
Additionally, establishing a regular exercise regimen can help maintain neck health overall as well as relieve any discomfort that may be present. People can do this as it is a proactive approach to wellness. By improving their posture and reducing strain on their necks, symptoms of whiplash can be relieved.
7. Ice and heat
To reduce pain and inflammation associated with whiplash injuries, chiropractors frequently advise using either heat or ice therapy. Using ice can help reduce swelling, narrow blood vessels, and numb the injured area, providing instant relief. In contrast, heat facilitates blood flow, eases muscle tension, and increases suppleness.
Depending on the injury’s particular stage and personal preferences, either heat or ice should be used. To ensure a customized and efficient treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each patient, you should speak with a chiropractor to determine the best course of action for managing whiplash-related discomfort.
Conclusion
Whiplash is a common neck injury that causes a variety of symptoms. While many whiplash cases resolve on their own within a few weeks, some people may have chronic symptoms that last for months or even years. Chiropractors use a variety of gentle and targeted techniques to realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and restore range of motion. This makes chiropractic treatment an effective whiplash treatment option.