Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

Whiplash is a fairly common injury in which the head and neck are moved rapidly back and forth. Often, we see this type of injury associated with car wrecks but can also occur from a variety of activities. This type of injury can cause intense pain that makes it challenging to accomplish regular physical activities. However, the good news is that chiropractic care can help.

Don’t let whiplash get in your way. Learn more about your treatment options so you can make the most informed decision regarding your health.
 

Types of Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to appropriate treatment for whiplash. So much of the decision depends on the severity of the condition and the specific needs of the patient. However, this decision can be made with your chiropractor to ensure that it’s the best course of action for you.

Essentially there are four classifications of chiropractic treatment for whiplash including:

• Manipulation

• Muscle relaxation/stimulation

• Exercises

• Lifestyle changes
   

Often, treatment will involve a multi-step approach to truly heal the patient and offer relief. The time period for the treatment plan will also vary based on the significant of the damage.
 

Manipulation

Manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is the most common form of treatment for whiplash. The process involves gently moving the joint to regain motion. The movements of adjustment by the chiropractor are usually slow and methodical to ease the body back into alignment.
 

Muscle Relaxation and Stimulation

Muscles sometimes need to be relaxed to ease the tension caused by whiplash. If the muscle is incredibly tight, then vigorous stretches are conducted to loosen it up. The chiropractor may also apply fingertip pressure to specific areas to help relieve any pain in the area.
 

Exercises

There are a variety of exercises that your chiropractor may introduce, including McKenzie exercises. These exercises are designed specifically for whiplash that is first taught in-office and then can be continued at home over a period of time. Sometimes, exercises can relieve the issue without further treatment. However, the recovery time will significantly depend on how diligent the patient is in doing the exercises properly.
 

Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, patients may need to make lifestyle changes in order to promote faster healing and avoid further damage. You may be asked to stop certain activities temporarily or learn better ways to use your body to perform certain tasks. Your hobbies, job, and other activity will be evaluated to determine which activities you may want to reduce or avoid for a while.
 

Which Treatment is Right for You?

There’s no simple answer to this question. In order to receive the proper care that you need, you should consult a chiropractor for a thorough evaluation. From there, you should come up with a quality plan that will help your recovery from the injury.
 

Why Should You Seek Treatment?

Whiplash can be painful and debilitating. Treatment is necessary to get back to doing the things you love the most. Also, failure to treat whiplash at a lower level could lead to even more issues down the road. Your best option is to move forward with a chiropractic treatment plant that is specifically designed with your needs in mind.
 

Schedule an Appointment

At ReAlignMed in Chicago, IL, we understand that our patients deserve only the best care. If you or someone you know is suffering from whiplash, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to offer insight and guidance towards the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Call us today to schedule your consultation!