Whiplash is a common side effect of auto accidents and some serious sports injuries. According to Spine-Health, “whiplash is a term that describes injury to the neck that occurs as a result of a motor vehicle or car accident…” In these cases, the neck snaps forward and then snaps backward, causing severe pain and strain the neck muscles and vertebras. Severe impacts cause the neck to alter from the resting C shape to a curved S shape shortly after impact. Because the S shape is outside of the spine’s normal range of motion, there is an increased risk for damage to the ligaments and discs in the neck.

At Bloomingdale Chiropractic, we treat patients with whiplash injury through several available techniques of spinal manipulation, muscle stimulation, and physical therapy. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), there are a few ways that chiropractors can help alleviate the pain of patients with whiplash injuries:

Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy
Ice and/or heat are often used to help control pain and reduce the muscle spasm that results from whiplash injuries. Other physical therapy modalities, such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound, may provide some short-term relief. They should not, however, replace an active-care program of exercise and stretching. Spinal manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor can also give relief in many cases of neck pain.

The article also adds that staying active can help treat whiplash injury, after being seen by a chiropractor or specialist.

Staying active
One of the most important aspects of whiplash management is for the patient to stay active, unless there is some serious injury that requires immobilization. Patients should not be afraid to move and be active, within reason. In addition, your doctor will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long-term benefits.

If you have suffered an accident resulting in whiplash injury, call our office to set up a consultation to see if chiropractic care is the best treatment for you.