Chiropractic and Whiplash
Whiplash refers to an acceleration/deceleration injury to the neck.
It may result from rear-end or side impact car accidents, but can
also occur during diving or other mishaps.
The impact to the neck may result in bony or soft tissue injuries
creating a variety of signs and symptoms. (Referred to as Whiplash
Associated Disorder).
Neck pain and it's symptoms...
People involved in accidents involving trauma to their neck usually
complain of pain and stiffness of the upper back and neck accompanied
with symptoms such as dizziness/vertigo, ringing/buzzing in the ears,
blurred vision and headaches.
Neck pain is often described by patients as being of an achy
discomfort in the back of the neck radiating out over the upper
shoulder muscles, down between the shoulder blades, up into the
region just below the skull and/or down the arms. The deep aching
discomfort is often associated with burning and stiffness, and worse
in the morning and evening.
Headache and whiplash
Headache is a common symptom from this injury and is usually from an injury to the upper neck joints, muscles and ligaments. The headaches usually begin within 24 hours of the injury. The headache may be limited to the base of the skull or may spread to the top of the head, across the forehead or behind the eyes. Patients may describe the headache as a dull pressure or a squeezing sensation and includes pounding and throbbing components. Patients may also describe nausea or may vomit and be very sensitive to light.
Treatment for Whiplash...
its signs and symptoms
Chiropractic treatment is very effective in eliminating pain,
stiffness, headaches, dizziness or ringing/buzzing in ears caused
by whiplash.
A Doctor of Chiropractic will first do a thorough history,
physical exam (including an orthopaedic and neurological exam)
prior to treatment. He will also determine if x-rays are necessary
to rule out any fractures or severe soft tissue damage or nerve
compromise.
Once it has been determined that he can help you and a referral
to another health care professional is not necessary, an
adjustment will be performed on the involved joints of the spine.
This will restore any lost joint motion caused by the accident,
loosen up stiff muscles, improve coordination, eliminate headaches,
dizziness and tinnitus and improve your general, overall health.
Further help with Whiplash...
A series of adjustments or treatments will be necessary to completely rehabilitate a patient who has had whiplash.
The Chiropractor will also give you specific exercises to help stretch the tightened and
strengthen the weakened muscles of the neck and upper back to further enhance your
recovery.
He may also recommend a cervical (neck) pillow to help support the healing ligaments and muscles of the neck. The
Mediflow Pillow
is an excellent choice for all neck types because you add or remove firmness
to the pillow by adjusting the level of the water content.
For example, some people require more support for their neck while they sleep because they have a larger curve (called lordosis). By adding more water to the Mediflow Pillow, it increases the firmness and thus affording more support to the joints of the neck.
Whiplash is a very painful condition to experience. Fortunately though, with proper chiropractic care and rehabilitation and a supportive pillow, you will recover in no time at all. Just be patient!!!
Return to Home Page from Whiplash
|
