Whiplash

What is whiplash, and what does it feel like?

Whiplash is a specific type of neck injury that develops when the neck is forced into a sudden back-and-forth motion. This movement is like the crack of a whip, which is how the condition got its name. 

It’s essential to work with a chiropractor to treat whiplash. Left untreated, the condition can lead to complications, including severe neck pain, limited range of motion in your neck, or discomfort in your arms. 

What are some common causes of whiplash?

Anything that creates a sudden change in the orientation of your neck can lead to whiplash. Auto accidents are a common cause, especially if you are struck from behind. The sudden impact of another vehicle causes your neck to immediately shift backward before snapping in a quick forward motion. 

Other causes of whiplash include:

• Football or other contact sports
• Assault
• Shaken baby syndrome
• Slip and fall accidents

If you develop neck pain and suspect you’ve experienced whiplash, schedule a diagnostic visit as soon as possible. 

What kinds of chiropractic treatments can help with whiplash?

Whiplash can cause damage to the muscles, spinal discs, and connective tissues in your neck, as well as nerve damage and problems with circulation. Treating whiplash begins with an in-depth exploration of the extent of damage, usually through X-rays or other imaging tools.

Therapeutic massage is an excellent way to relieve muscle strain and enhance circulation in the aftermath of a whiplash injury. Massage can also help you relax and reduce the risk of headaches following a neck injury. 

Chiropractors also use trigger point therapy to help relieve knotted areas of muscle tissue, which can cause serious pain. They can perform trigger point release with hands-on techniques or a handheld device. 

Spinal manipulation is also used to treat whiplash and strives to restore optimal alignment in the joints of your cervical spine. Some techniques use short, rapid, controlled force, while others are more gentle and slower. 

It usually takes a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Be patient as you move through the process, and let your chiropractor know which efforts are helping and which do not seem to yield the desired results. 

If you’re interested in learning more about whiplash treatment, book your visit at Kerinver Chiropractic online or by phone today.