Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly forced to move back and forth. This type of injury can cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that can be difficult to manage. Fortunately, chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for whiplash injuries. Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healing that focuses on restoring proper muscle function by applying pressure or stretching muscles that are overstressed.
A chiropractor can help you develop a plan to address your whiplash injury, as well as any other spinal problems they may detect during their initial examination. Chiropractic care is highly effective for whiplash injuries because it not only helps control pain, but also helps heal faster. Your chiropractor may recommend exercises you can do at home between treatments, as well as lifestyle changes that will facilitate your healing and improve flexibility. Regular but careful movement of the head, neck, and arms is essential after suffering a whiplash injury.
This helps prevent more severe neck pain, stiffness, and spreading pain. Despite the pain that occurs with movement, letting your muscles rest for long periods of time does more harm than good. Keeping your muscles and ligaments moving with the help of a whiplash chiropractor will promote rapid healing of affected areas and reduce your chances of developing additional long-term problems as a result of the whiplash injury. Treatment plans for whiplash usually begin with spinal manipulation techniques for the cervical spine and emphasize them.
This type of treatment is especially beneficial if you have had a previous whiplash injury, are an older adult, if the accident was serious, or if you have a history of neck problems. Whiplash usually occurs in rear-end collisions, but any activity that can cause the neck to move back and forth can result in a whiplash injury. Your chiropractor will determine the best treatment that will ease your pain and restore your mobility and flexibility. MRIs, CT scans, and even x-rays can be used to complete your chiropractor's understanding of your injuries.
Specific spinal manipulation is the type of spinal manipulation that most people are familiar with when it comes to chiropractic care. Instead of applying quick, direct force to the affected area, the chiropractor will use slower and less intense pushing movements on the discs. Resistance-based stretches are also useful for rehabilitating soft tissue that has been damaged by a whiplash injury. Your chiropractor will identify any areas of restriction in joint movement, muscle tension, muscle spasm, intervertebral disc injury, and ligament injury. Although some cases of whiplash resolve within weeks, some patients with whiplash may develop chronic pain.
If you need chiropractic treatment for a whiplash injury after a car accident or any other accident, schedule your free consultation with the chiropractors at Florida Spine and Injury. If you were recently diagnosed with whiplash after an accident, learn more about why a whiplash chiropractor's care is an effective and natural treatment option.