Understanding Whiplash and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

The pain of whiplash can be so severe that the most menial daily tasks can’t be carried out, or they can become a mild annoyance that prevents a person from turning his head to the side. Take a look at how seeing a chiropractor may help you heal from whiplash and leave you feeling better than ever.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the neck muscles from a rapid forward and backward motion caused by a trauma (e.g., a car accident). It can cause acute (short-term) neck pain as well as restricted movement in your neck. While the majority of people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan, some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications that can be debilitating. The signs and symptoms of whiplash usually develop within days of the injury and may include: 

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Worsening of pain with neck movement

• Loss of range of motion in the neck

• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull

• Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms

• Tingling or numbness in the arms

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

What Chiropractors Can Do to Relieve the Symptoms of Whiplash

By employing several different treatment techniques, chiropractors can assist in relieving pain, in the affected areas. 

• Chiropractic adjustment: Using spinal manipulation techniques, chiropractors can gently move the involved joint towards the restricted area. This can help create mobility and encourage healing. 

•   Muscle relaxation and stimulation: Finger pressure techniques on certain pressure points to relieve pain can help relieve the stress and tension many whiplash sufferers experience. 

• McKenzie Exercises: McKenzie exercises are 100 percent intended to reduce disc derangement caused by whiplash. These exercises are used by chiropractors in their office, but can be taught to patients for use in their home. (The McKenzie Method of physical therapy is a series of exercises for back pain or neck pain developed in the late 1950s by New Zealand physical therapist Robin McKenzie.)

A whiplash treatment plan developed by Dr. Richey may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well. Additionally, the plan may include a referral to other health professionals when needed. As a chiropractor in Thousand Oaks, I have seen these and other techniques bring relief to many patients. What you can come to expect from our office is that I am well versed in back pain relief in Thousand Oaks.