Treating Whiplash With Professional Chiropractic Care

Many people suffer from whiplash without recognizing the root source of the pain. Too many assume the discomfort will simply disappear with time. So, they wait. This is the reason many neglect to pursue therapy after suffering whiplash (for example, following a car accident). Others realize the pain is due to an event-specific problem with their spine, yet mistakenly think treatment will not be covered by their insurance companies.

First, injuries sustained as a result of whipping your head back and forth will persist unless they are directly addressed. They will not simply disappear over time. Second, such injuries are much easier to detect with current diagnostic technology. Insurance companies are thus more likely to cover therapy once the condition has been diagnosed.

In this article, we’ll explain how whiplash occurs, and describe the symptoms you may experience. We’ll then explore how professional chiropractic treatment can resolve the underlying problem.

What Causes The Pain?

While the event can happen in a variety of circumstances, most cases of whiplash occur as the result of a back-end auto collision. The rear impact causes a person’s head to be thrown back before it is quickly whipped forward. During this process, the muscles are extended beyond their typical range. This can result in muscle tears, bulging or rupturing discs, and forced movement of vertebrae. The nerves in the neck may become overstretched, which causes inflammation.

While your head whips back and forth, the muscles contract and tighten. They do so as a reflex to prevent further damage. The problem is, these muscles often overcorrect, and cause more injury in the process. With the muscles torn, discs ruptured, and vertebrae out of position, pain results.

Typical Symptoms Associated With Whiplash

The most common sign of whiplash is neck pain. The cervical spine experiences trauma, which manifests as pain within hours of the event. In some cases, it may take up to two or three days to present pain.

Nearly as prevalent in diagnosed cases is headaches. The patient may feel them on one side or throughout the head. The headaches may come and go, or persist for long periods. They’re typically due to the contracted neck muscles. Shoulder pain originating in the neck and extending downward may also present.

Other signs include numbness, a tingling sensation, nausea, and even vision problems. These and other symptoms can usually be addressed through chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Therapy For Whiplash Victims

Every injury that results from whiplash is unique, and thus requires a specialized, targeted approach. Depending on the specific disorder (e.g. ruptured disc, misaligned vertebrae, etc.), your chiropractor can apply a number of techniques. For example, because joint or vertebral misalignment is common following whiplash, a spinal adjustment might be performed. This usually involves mild thrusting of the affected joint in the direction movement is restricted.

Also, because the muscles in the neck typically suffer trauma when the head whips back and forth, therapy may focus on relaxing them. This is done by gently stretching them in order to relieve stiffness. If your chiropractor identifies muscles in which movement is restricted, he or she may use exercises to stimulate them. Stimulation will help them regain their normal function.

If whiplash has resulted in bulging or impacted discs, you may experience pain that extends into your back. In such cases, chiropractic care might include exercises associated with the McKenzie Method. These exercises focus in part on resolving vertebral misalignments that have resulted in disc instability.

Lastly, your chiropractor will offer suggestions for minimizing the stress placed on your neck and back during the course of a typical day. This includes making changes to the way you perform tasks in the workplace, and activities at home. Here, the purpose is to remove any obstacles that may slow your recovery.

Pain resulting from whiplash should be addressed directly. While medications can reduce your level of discomfort, professional chiropractic care will help resolve its root cause.