How Do Chiropractors Mitigate the Effects of Whiplash?

Whiplash is a common and somewhat undertreated condition of the neck and back. Because of its well-known symptoms and frequent occurrence, many patients attempt to treat whiplash on their own at home, waiting for the day the pain subsides. However, whiplash is a serious problem that should be handled by a professional. If the pain does not go away with at-home care, whiplash patients should seek alternative forms of treatment, including chiropractic.

Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), the holistic chiropractic technique disseminated by Ideal Spine, exemplifies the ideal approach to mitigating whiplash symptoms. It encompasses treatments for all the affected components of the neck and back, including the joints, muscles, and spinal discs, to provide a comprehensive remedy that may reduce pain or discomfort and get patients back to their regular activities.

Types of chiropractic treatments for whiplash

Before chiropractors can begin to form a treatment plan for a whiplash patient, they must first assess the patient in their entirety and identify pain points and places where immobility, discomfort, and instability stem from. Every case of whiplash is unique. Thus, a thorough examination of the muscles, vertebrae, and nerve pathways in the back and neck should be tested.

Once problems have been identified, a chiropractic treatment plan may be formed. This plan might include a number of the following treatment methods designed to improve mobility, relieve muscle tension, realign the spine, and support proper nerve communication:

• Chiropractic manipulation: Spinal manipulation may use short, controlled thrusts or slow movements on the spinal joints to attempt to realign them and improve their mobility. Joints can become restricted in a whiplash injury, and chiropractic adjustments aim to alleviate these restrictions so the joints can move freely.
• Muscular massage: Restricted joints and the injury itself may cause muscles in the neck and back to tighten or underperform. Chiropractic massage of these muscles, as well as trigger point manipulation, may help alleviate pain and restore muscle function and mobility.
• Exercises: Physical therapy-like exercises and stretches may be taught to the patient to help them strengthen muscles, improve mobility in the neck and back, and stabilize dysfunctional or unstable discs that are at risk of herniating.
• At-home care plan: At-home care techniques may include heat or ice therapy, stretches, mobility exercises, rest, activity modification, and other treatments the patient can perform on their own to help reduce pain.

In performing a multitude of targeted treatments, chiropractors may be able to help patients heal faster and reduce their risk for whiplash-related chronic pain. If pain persists a while after the initial injury, continued chiropractic treatment is a safe and effective way to potentially reduce pain and improve mobility over time.

Chiropractors should emphasize to their patients the importance of initial and continued care following a car crash, sports injury, or other whiplash-causing incidents. Without medical intervention, the body may experience heightened dysfunction, resulting in further injury or chronic pain. Using Ideal Spine’s CBP approach to spinal and total-body care, chiropractors will be well-equipped to diagnose and treat whiplash patients in a multi-faceted way.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.