How Chiropractic Care Helps In Managing Whiplash Pain

More than 2 million Americans experience whiplash each year, and while it may seem like another common neck pain, it's more than that. Whiplash happens when your neck suffers from a strain or sprain from abruptly snapping forward and backward, resembling a whiplike motion. Neck pain is usually the first sign, but it may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks later. 

Regardless of when it starts, don’t ignore the pain. Seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent long-term issues. If you're looking for the best option, chiropractic care for whiplash injuries is worth considering.

This blog answers why and how chiropractic care can effectively manage, alleviate, and help heal whiplash pain.

Common Causes of Whiplash

You may experience whiplash as a result of the following:

Auto Accidents

Auto accidents are the most common cause of whiplash due to the sudden force exerted on the neck. Rear-end collisions, in particular, cause the head to be jolted forward and then backward, straining the neck's muscles and ligaments.

Contact Sports

An awkward fall or collision in contact sports like football and rugby can cause whiplash injuries due to the rapid, forceful movements of the head and neck. Additionally, the repetitive contact in these sports can cause cumulative damage, and limited gear protection increases the risk.

Physical Assault or Abuse

If someone bumps, punches, or shakes you intensely, it can also cause whiplash injuries. The forceful motion of the head disrupts the normal alignment of the neck, causing soft tissue injuries and, in more severe cases, even possible damage to the spinal cord or brain. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The following are common symptoms associated with the scenarios above:

• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Headaches 
• Reduced range of motion

A thorough diagnosis is required to assess a whiplash injury fully. This usually includes a physical exam to check for range of motion, pain, and any symptoms of nerve involvement. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be required to rule out fractures, disc herniations, or other underlying disorders that could be causing the symptoms.

Chiropractic Techniques for Whiplash Treatment

When left untreated, whiplash injuries can escalate into serious health conditions and chronic pain. If you’re experiencing neck pain, do not delay treatment; consider finding relief through chiropractic care, which offers noninvasive intervention. Discover the different chiropractic treatments that can support your full recovery.

Flexion–Distraction Technique

Has your whiplash injury worsened a herniated disc? This technique can help. It involves a gentle, thrust-free, slow-pumping action on the affected disc to reduce inflammation and irritation. Instead of applying quick, direct force to the spine, it realigns the herniated discs in the neck.

Instrument-Assisted Adjustment

Chiropractors typically use this technique for whiplash cases classified as grades 0, 1, and 2, which are considered mild. Specialized hand-held instruments for non-thrusting spinal adjustments accompany this process.

Specific Spinal Adjustment

Chiropractors identify restricted and abnormally moving spinal joints and address them with a gentle thrusting technique to restore normal motion. This whiplash treatment stretches the soft tissues and activates the nervous system to help restore normal spinal movement.

Graston Technique

The Graston technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy involving gentle, repetitive strokes over the injured soft tissue. Since whiplash always affects soft tissues in the neck, this technique can help break down scar tissue, reduce muscle tightness, and improve mobility in the affected area. 

Trigger Point Therapy

If you're suffering from whiplash, you have tense, painful “trigger points” in your muscles that trigger point therapy can address. Trigger point therapy applies direct pressure to these tight muscle knots, effectively managing whiplash pain and tension. By releasing these knots, the treatment improves muscle function and promotes faster recovery.

Additional Therapies

One of the top benefits of chiropractic care for whiplash injury recovery is the variety of treatment options available. Fascial stretch therapy, spinal decompression, and massage therapy are often used as complementary treatments alongside spinal adjustments. They improve flexibility, relieve pressure, and relax muscles to support healing and enhance recovery.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Whiplash?

Knowing when you need to see a chiropractor after suffering from whiplash is crucial for timely intervention. This will help address the problem and prevent further damage. Here are some clear signs that it's time to see a chiropractor for whiplash.

• Immediately after the injury, even if symptoms are mild
• Symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen over time
• Ongoing pain or discomfort that doesn't improve with conservative treatments
• You want to ensure your neck muscles stay healthy

Additionally, consider seeking a chiropractor for posttreatment evaluation. This helps ensure proper healing, identify any lingering issues, and develop a personalized plan to prevent future problems.

Takeaway

Whiplash may seem minor initially, but if unaddressed, it can severely impact your quality of life, making it hard to enjoy time with your loved ones. Take the symptoms seriously and seek treatment early. Chiropractic care offers a gentle, natural approach with techniques tailored to your needs.

North East Chiropractic Center's neck pain doctors are compassionate and highly trained for cases like whiplash. They take the time to understand individual needs and tailor cutting-edge treatment plans to their patients. We're here to assist you and your loved ones with all your health needs. Serving New Haven, Leo, Grabill, Huntertown, and Fort Wayne, we strive to be your trusted local chiropractor.

Book a consultation with us today and begin your healing journey with our chiropractic care for whiplash.