Sunday, February 24, 2013

Chiropractic Care Offers Effective Relief from Whiplash

By Michelle Caron


Your Minnesota chiropractor can offer pain relief from whiplash following an auto accident, fall, or sports injury. Whiplash is defined as neck pain following an injury to the soft tissues of your neck. It occurs because your body reacts to an acceleration and/or deceleration force by hyperextending or hyperflexing your neck.

More simply, whiplash happens commonly following a rear-end collision when your head is forced to move suddenly backward, then forward, and you don't have time to brace your muscles. These forces can cause muscles and ligaments in your neck to move beyond the normal range of motion, resulting in soft tissue injuries.

A blow to the head, an object falling on your head, or being assaulted can cause whiplash. Chronic neck strain and repetitive stress injuries can also cause whiplash by simply cradling the phone with your neck for extended periods of time. Infants with Shaken Baby Syndrome also often suffer from whiplash. No matter the cause of your whiplash injury, seeking treatment immediately after is important. Pain may take a few weeks to manifest or develop right away. Even if you feel you weren't seriously injured, it is best to get checked out after an accident.

Some common whiplash symptoms are: neck swelling, neck pain, headaches, pain radiating from your neck to your shoulder or arm, muscle spasms, difficulty moving your neck, blurred vision, dizziness, numbness, weakness or tingling of your arms and/or fatigue. TMJ, lower back pain, ringing in your ears, memory loss, trouble concentrating, irritability and difficulty sleeping are some lesser known side effects that are often experienced with whiplash.

When you first visit your chiropractor following a whiplash injury, they will check your range of motion, take an x-ray and palpate your neck. A CAT scan or MRI may also be ordered. Chiropractors can help heal the soft tissues in your neck in a variety of ways including: chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, electric muscle stimulation, alternating ice and heat, massage therapy, trigger point therapy and training you on home strenghtening and stretching exercises. Normal movement will be restored in your neck, and the vertebrae in your spine will be repositioned following these treatments. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney following your injuries, in case compensation may be due to you.




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