When it comes to helping people who have sustained whiplash injuries, chiropractors have a well-established reputation as dependable experts. Chiropractic treatments are typically recommended to reduce pain and inflammation, helping to promote full recovery.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is referred to as a neck injury caused by the violent back-and-forth movement of the neck. Common signs of whiplash include severe neck pain or stiffness, headaches, pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms and upper back, tingling and numbness in the limbs, blurred vision, dizziness, fatigue and trouble focusing.
The level of whiplash discomfort can range from mild to severe. It is crucial to seek medical attention right away if any whiplash symptoms worsen over time. Also, even though car accidents often result in whiplash, the symptoms do not always show up right away. Generally, it takes at least a few days for whiplash to start to show its effects.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Whiplash?
The ability to reduce inflammation surrounding the injured muscles and ligaments makes chiropractic treatment an effective approach for treating whiplash. It also restores the mobility of the shoulders and neck.
When someone seeks chiropractic care for whiplash, the chiropractor will perform a thorough spinal examination. This is done to make sure there is no additional harm or cause for concern elsewhere in the body. This assessment may determine the need for diagnostic tests like X-rays or perhaps an MRI.
Here are further means of treating whiplash…
#1 Flexion-Distraction Technique
The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle, non-thrusting manual technique used especially for treating herniated discs that may be inflamed or irritated after an incident. A direct, gradual pumping motion is used by the chiropractor during this technique to target the injured disc.
With a focus on herniated discs that might be compromised as a result of inflammation or irritation brought on by the incident, this approach aims to ease the pain caused by whiplash.
By using the flexion-distraction technique, chiropractors hope to offer a suitable solution to lessen the effects of whiplash and promote the healing process.
#2 Muscle Stimulations Or Relaxation
The main treatment plan for whiplash focuses on stimulating and relaxing the muscles, and it includes a thorough routine that includes both stretching and focused muscle engagement. This strategy targets muscles that have tightened up excessively. Deliberate stretches are applied to muscles dealing with increased tension in conjunction with muscle relaxation techniques.
Additionally, a key component of this treatment involves the application of repetitive contractions made especially for the muscles affected by whiplash. Specialists may choose more intensive stretching techniques in cases where muscular tightness is particularly pronounced to effectively relieve tension and contribute to the full healing process.
#3 Instrument-Assisted Manipulation
An additional technique that chiropractors frequently use that differs by being non-thrusting is instrument-assisted manipulation. To effectively deliver controlled force to the spinal region without the need for forceful thrusting movements, this technique involves the use of a specialized handheld instrument.
Using this instrument, chiropractors apply measured pressure to particular points along the spine, ensuring a careful approach to manipulation. This controlled, gentle application of force aims to correct misalignments, improve joint mobility and reduce pain without using sharp thrusts.
Instrument-assisted manipulation is consistent with chiropractic principles and provides a unique non-invasive way for therapeutic intervention.
#4 Specific Spinal Manipulation
When performing specific spinal manipulation, the chiropractor carefully looks for spinal joints that have restrictions or strange movement patterns. With this technique, the chiropractor uses a careful thrusting technique to restore motion to the restricted joint(s).
The soft tissue around the joint can be effectively stretched by this gradual application of force, which also activates the nervous system. To improve the overall harmony and health of the spine, the goal is to promote a new equilibrium in spinal motion.
The specific spinal manipulation technique shows the accuracy and knowledge of chiropractic care in addressing restrictions and promoting optimal spinal function tactfully and gently.
#5 Trigger Point Therapy
In trigger point therapy, the affected area is targeted and particular trigger points within it are addressed by the chiropractor by applying focused, direct pressure, primarily with their fingers. This methodical use of pressure is intended to relieve and release the built-up tension in the muscles that have become affected.
The goal of chiropractic treatment is to release the tension that has built up in the affected muscles by precisely locating these trigger points and applying gentle pressure. This therapeutic strategy aims to encourage relaxation, recover muscle function and enhance comfort and well-being.
Trigger-point therapy plays a crucial part in individualized chiropractic care because of its strategic and hands-on approach.
#6 McKenzie Exercises
McKenzie exercises are specifically designed to reduce disc instability, which is frequently associated with neck strain. This exercise program entails precise motions that can be practiced both in clinical settings and in the convenience of one’s own home.
Chiropractic care is used to treat whiplash with the goals of improving coordination, controlling nervous system activity and boosting the neck muscles’ stability. This all-encompassing approach takes into account not only the reduction of current discomfort but also the more general aspects of post-whiplash well-being.
Additionally, chiropractors aim to improve muscle function, promote neural equilibrium and restore neck stability through the use of McKenzie exercises.
Summary:
Due to its emphasis on addressing the injury’s underlying cause, chiropractic care can help manage and treat whiplash injuries more successfully than conventional care. Whiplash patients can recover from their condition more quickly and successfully over the long term by reestablishing proper joint alignment, relaxing muscle posture and lowering inflammation.