Why See A Chiropractor for Whiplash Injuries?
Whiplash, an injury affecting the neck muscles, ligaments, and tendons, is caused by a sudden and rapid forward or backward motion of the neck during trauma such as a car accident. If left untreated, a whiplash injury can lead to stiffness and significant loss of motion around the neck region.
Like all other injuries, whiplash requires fast and accurate treatment for the best results. Here is how a chiropractor can minimize the pain and damage caused by whiplash.
How Can A Chiropractor Help with Whiplash?
Chiropractic services are non-surgical treatments that offer effective relief from pain. A chiropractor is trained to evaluate your spine as a whole, even in cases where the injury affects only the neck region. This examination helps determine whether any additional regions are affected. The chiropractor will then use a diagnostic technique called motion and static palpation to identify areas of restricted joint motion and injuries affecting the intervertebral disc, ligaments, and neck muscles.
The chiropractor will also feel for tightness, tenderness, and how the spine moves. They will analyze how well you walk, with particular focus on your posture and spinal alignment. Additionally, you may be asked to undergo an X-ray or MRI to determine whether any degenerative changes existed before the whiplash injury.
Stages of Chiropractic Whiplash Management
Chiropractors can reduce neck inflammation using various therapy techniques, including gentle stretching and manual therapy. They may also apply cryotherapy, e-stim, and ultrasound to the injured area. Once the inflammation is reduced and the pain decreases, the chiropractic physician will perform gentle targeted spinal manipulation.
Chiropractic Treatments Effective Against Whiplash
Chiropractic treatments assist in pain relief and quick healing. Depending on the level of pain and location of the injury, your chiropractor may use one of the following techniques:
- Chiropractic Adjustments — Involves the use of short thrusts to perform spinal manipulation.
- Muscle Relaxation & Muscle Stimulation — Uses calm, gentle stretches on the affected muscles to relieve tension.
- McKenzie Exercises — Designed to reduce disc derangement caused by whiplash.
Chiropractic treatment has proven effective in treating whiplash injuries. The versatility of chiropractic methods and exercises helps relax the neck muscles and relieve pain more effectively.
Need Help with a Whiplash Injury? Trust Dr. David W. Nadler & Associates
If you are looking for effective chiropractic treatments in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, consider chiropractic physician Dr. David W. Nadler. Dr. Nadler is a board-certified chiropractor with vast experience in treating whiplash and other trauma-related injuries. Request an appointment today for the best chiropractic services in Philadelphia.