More than two million Americans will experience whiplash every year. Although most of us associate it with car accidents, it can happen in a variety of ways. Contact sports like football and winter activities, including skiing and snowboarding, can all trigger this painful condition.
Whiplash can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain, along with dizziness, numbness, and concentration issues. The good news is that there are effective chiropractic treatments to help you overcome it. Treatment for whiplash has two goals – to reduce pain and restore mobility.
Join us as we explore what you can expect when you book a treatment session with a chiropractor.
Initial Assessment
Each case of whiplash is slightly different. So before any treatment can begin, your chiropractor will conduct an initial assessment. He or she will examine your range of movement and may conduct orthopedic and neurological tests. At Spine Health & Wellness, we use Myovision DynoROM and the latest imaging technology to diagnose exactly what’s going on beneath the surface.
Based on the results of the assessment and discussion with you, your chiropractor will create a tailored treatment plan.
Personalized Whiplash Treatment
When undergoing whiplash treatment, you may hear the phrase, “rest is rust.” Whiplash treatment focuses on keeping your neck, back, and shoulders moving, which will allow your body to heal. To facilitate this, the main treatment options for whiplash are:
- Exercise therapy
- Manual therapy
- Spinal manipulation therapy
- Self-care routines
Exercise Therapy
Your chiropractor will talk you through a series of exercises that can help to stretch the muscles in your spine, building strength and reducing tightness. Depending on the nature of your injury, these may include:
- Chin tucks
- Side bending
- Side-to-side head rotation
- Isometrics
- McKenzie exercises (specific to whiplash injuries)
If you have experienced whiplash, it’s important to see a chiropractor first before embarking on a series of exercises. Depending on the damage you have suffered, doing too much too soon could delay your recovery.
Your chiropractor may start these exercises in the office, but they can form an important part of your daily self-care routine as you complete your recovery.
Manual Therapy
Your chiropractor will work on the soft tissues in your neck and upper back, beginning with light pressure and then applying deeper pressure. The goal is to reduce painful spasming in tight musculature. They may also apply moist heat to increase blood flow in the affected area.
Spinal Manipulation Therapy
Spinal manipulation is a specialized chiropractic technique that involves applying controlled thrusts or gentle movement to joints in the spine. This treatment may be used if tests have shown that your neck joints are out of alignment. These focused movements can help bring your spine back to where it should be.
Don’t Delay in Seeking Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash pain can persist for months without proper treatment. If you’ve experienced a whiplash injury, schedule an appointment with Spine Health & Wellness as soon as possible.
Our dedicated team of chiropractors will devise a bespoke treatment plan that can help you reduce pain and regain movement in your neck and back again. We’re proud to serve the people of Irving, Bedford, and Fort Worth, TX. Click here to request an appointment today!