Can Chiropractic Care Help Whiplash?
What Causes Whiplash?
A whiplash injury occurs when the head and neck are thrown very quickly in one direction and then rebound in the opposite direction. In other words, the head is literally whipped around on the neck. In fact, this is how this specific injury got its name. The motion of whiplash causes damage to the joints, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck. The stress produced by whiplash on the neuro-musculoskeletal system can be incredibly severe and traumatic.
Research has shown that even a low-impact collision of 10 mph can cause a whiplash injury. Even in these types of accidents, the head can receive up to 250% more force than the car itself. Whiplash can also occur from sports injuries and falls.
What Are the Symptoms of Whiplash?
There are numerous and varied symptoms of whiplash. Neck pain is the number-one symptom. Some patients experience numbness in their shoulder blades and arms following a whiplash injury. Headaches can also be present, while some people experience pain in their eyes and other vision problems. Jaw pain, difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears and dizziness are not unheard of when a whiplash injury has occurred.
If the dysfunctions of the spine are not corrected whiplash-related symptoms can be present for many years. Arthritic conditions can set in, disc problems may begin, and nerve supply to internal parts of the body may worsen. Sadly, whiplash injuries do not heal themselves. Fortunately, many people can prevent major problems later in life by taking care of their bodies in their younger years.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Reduce the Impact of Whiplash?
The first step in a chiropractic visit is to discuss the patient’s health history. This is followed by a thorough examination of the spine and any other related areas. The critical aspects of the examination are:
- Spinal motion
- Status of the joints, nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons
- The state of your posture and overall biomechanics
- The extent of damage to the nerves, spine and spinal cord
During the exam, a number of tests can be performed including a postural analysis, surface EMG, and nerve tests such as thermal scans,. These tests will help to ascertain the extent of the stress to the spine and nervous system. The chiropractor will use numerous techniques to detect and correct abnormal movement of the spine which are called subluxations. These techniques help the involved areas that present with neuro-musculoskeletal stresses to be returned to their normal state of function.
It Is Your Choice
It is important to note that the spine protects the nervous system which controls every cells, tissues, and organs in the body. What would you rather experience in life, a normal working nervous system or one that is left to become permanently affected? Leaving it unchecked can lead to a decrease in your quality of health.
Ultimately the choice is yours. When faced with this decision, it is crucial to remember that when it comes to whiplash, chiropractic care offers the body an amazing tool for the body to heal.
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