A chiropractor can offer effective whiplash treatment for those struggling to regain mobility after this injury. The loss of neck and shoulder mobility that often comes with whiplash can be frustrating. Here is a closer look at the nature of whiplash and how a chiropractor can aid recovery.
Whiplash is an injury caused by the sudden and forceful movement of the head and neck forward and backward. This injury is most commonly associated with rear-end auto collisions but can also result from sports accidents and other types of trauma. Symptoms start within days of incurring the injury and often include:
While minor cases of whiplash will gradually heal over time, more severe cases require professional treatment.
Chiropractic practitioners frequently offer whiplash treatment, and consulting one early on can help ensure a smoother and faster recovery. It can be difficult for a patient to gauge the severity of their whiplash injury on their own, but a chiropractor can examine the patient for a more accurate assessment. In addition, a chiropractor can offer treatments that allow the patient to avoid prescription painkillers or reduce their reliance on them. They also guide the patient on proper at-home care.
After assessing a patient's injury, the practitioner will design a customized treatment plan. Chiropractors use a combination of spinal adjustment, stretching, and soft tissue therapies, as well as their hands and special tools, to help restore mobility and relieve pain. Examples of specific treatments include the following.
The patient lies face down on a special table designed for the technique while the practitioner uses their hands to apply gentle pressure on the joints of the cervical spine affected by whiplash. This technique also aims to restore mobility and blood flow in the spine.
Trigger points are areas of muscle tightness and pain that can develop in response to trauma. The chiropractor identifies these points and applies manually controlled pressure using fingers or special tools. This can help release this tightness, improve flexibility, and improve healing.
This refers to therapies such as the Graston Technique®, which uses special instruments to treat soft tissues more directly. The practitioner uses a handheld device to apply gentle, repeated strokes over the injured area.
The chiropractor may have the patient perform a series of neck and shoulder stretches to help relax tension and restore range of motion in the areas affected by the whiplash injury. These may also include neck strengthening exercises and even posture correction techniques. The practitioner will help ensure the patient performs the movements correctly so they can continue them at home.
Successful whiplash may involve a combination of these treatments delivered in a series of sessions spaced out over several weeks.
If you have recently suffered a whiplash injury or are having trouble recovering from one, we can help. Victory Spine Center helps patients regain range of motion and return to feeling like themselves after a whiplash injury. Call today for more information on how a chiropractor can help with whiplash treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.victoryspinecenternapa.com or call Victory Spine Center at (707) 673-9509 for an appointment in our Napa office.
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