What to Know About Whiplash
When someone slams on the brakes in their car and you're jolted forward, you might jokingly exclaim, "You're going to give me whiplash." However, that's not entirely accurate. Whiplash is often associated with car accidents, but it can stem from other causes as well. Thankfully, chiropractic adjustments at Carey Chiropractic, serving Proctorville and the nearby region, can aid in the healing process.
General Information
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that primarily affects the neck. Specifically, it occurs when the neck is abruptly thrust forward and then rapidly snaps backward and forward again. This motion resembles the cracking of a whip. The force exerted during this motion can result in damage to the soft tissues and, in some cases, may even affect the nerves.
Causes
As mentioned earlier, rear-end collisions are the most widely recognized cause of this condition. It occurs when the impact of a vehicle striking the back end of another car forces the neck forward. However, whiplash can also be caused by physical assault, such as vigorous shaking. Even a sports injury sustained during contact sports like football can lead to whiplash.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing whiplash often involves a physical examination by our chiropractor. We'll inquire about the circumstances of the injury and assess your neck's range of motion. In most cases, further testing isn't required. However, we might recommend imaging to rule out any other potential injuries.
Treatment
Chiropractic adjustments are among the most common forms of pain relief and treatment for whiplash and other neck-related discomforts. During these adjustments, our chiropractor will manually manipulate the position of the vertebrae. This procedure is gentle and involves a slight amount of force.
For addressing neck pain and other whiplash symptoms, our chiropractor focuses on realigning the cervical spine specifically. This approach can be effective for alleviating pain, numbness, tingling, and even burning sensations that extend from the neck down one or both arms.
Chiropractic exercises are another popular treatment for whiplash. This approach gradually helps reduce pain while promoting recovery, enhancing range of motion and overall function. As you heal, the exercises become progressively more challenging to continuously improve your results.
Your treatment plan will also include lifestyle advice to ensure optimal healing without setbacks. Pain relief strategies we might recommend include the proper use of hot and cold therapy, as well as exercises that aid in the recovery process.
Contact A Chiropractor Near Me in Proctorville, OH
If you're experiencing neck pain, stiffness, or a limited range of motion following a car accident or another traumatic event, our team at Carey Chiropractic in Proctorville is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment at 740-886-7878.