The term whiplash is common. Most people understand that it is a neck injury, but there is an assumption that whiplash can only be the result of a car accident, which is inaccurate. This particular neck injury results from muscle strain brought about by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck. The injury can result from any sudden trauma—for example, a fall, sports injury, or some other event.
Whiplash Symptoms and Presentation
Whiplash is an unusual injury in that it doesn’t always present itself right away. Sometimes, this type of injury can take days or longer to manifest. However, when it does, patients likely experience pain and stiffness in their neck. They may also experience tenderness in some of the worst spots. Beyond pain, those suffering from a whiplash injury will notice a decrease in their range of motion, and they may experience headaches.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy is an excellent option for treating whiplash injuries as the practice focuses on musculoskeletal health. By using spinal manipulations and adjustments, a chiropractor can help realign the spinal column and reduce the inflammation and pain brought on by the sudden muscle strain of your injury. Over the course of several weeks, the chiropractor will make adjustments to help your body heal and recover.
Timeline for Recovery
For minor whiplash injuries, recovery can occur in a few days with minimal intervention. However, for more severe injuries, the recovery timeline can extend to a few weeks or more, in which case chiropractic care or medical intervention may be required. It is necessary not to rush the process of healing, though. For lengthier recovery times, use a combination of chiropractic therapy and home care, like braces and hot and cold therapies.
Safety of Therapy
Because of the sharp and swift movements of chiropractic treatments, some prospective patients are concerned about safety. However, chiropractic therapy is a safe and effective treatment for whiplash and other musculoskeletal injuries. The adjustments and manipulations used during your potential treatment are precise and practiced. Every licensed and certified therapist has had to prove their skills before being granted a license. Any risks associated with the practice are minimal, and you are likely to find similar or greater risks in other therapies and practices.
If you have suffered a whiplash injury, then consider seeking treatment. Contact a local chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD, to discuss your injury and any details of the accident. He or she will probably want to schedule an appointment to provide an initial examination and treatment plan.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into how chiropractic care can help heal whiplash.
