Can Whiplash Be Treated With Chiropractic Care?
Copyright (c) 2011 Michael Martin
Whiplash is a kind of injuries. It is described as neck injuries that are the effects of unexpected motions of the head, which can either be rearward, frontward or sidewards. It can occur from work, sports or auto related accidents which can be treated by a chiropractor. However, these injuries are different from other damages as it takes a while before symptoms can be felt. This is the reason why a person with this type of injury does not seek immediate treatment.
About 60 - 70% of patients who suffer from whiplash grumble of headache. The headaches, just like the neck pains, are the product of taut and tensed muscles to keep the head stable and are frequently sensed at the back of the eyes. Unbearable pain in the shoulder is also experienced. It was described as pain that radiates down the rear of the neck and in the shoulder blade region. This may also be the effect of tensed muscles.
Symptoms of Whiplash
*Neck soreness or rigidity
*Pain amid the shoulder blades
*Throbbing shoulder
*Lack of sensation and tingling
*Pain in the lower back
*Twinge or pain in the jaw or face
*Hazy vision
*Petulance
*Low energy or exhaustion
*Lightheadedness
*Loss of balance of vertigo
*Headache
*Nausea
*Ringing in the ears
*Problem in ingesting
Chiropractic and Whiplash
If you have any of the above symptoms, you need to be seen by a chiropractor. Chiropractors are medical doctors trained to manage whiplash and other musculoskeletal disorders. In giving chiropractic care to patients with whiplash, chiropractors aim to maximize spine movement by managing the spinal discs and diminishing muscle spasm and enhance muscular strength.
Chiropractic care for patients with whiplash varies as it will depend on every person's condition. Nevertheless, chiropractors use the following modes of treatment in treating whiplash.
1. Manual Manipulation are mild movements or short forces given on the affected region or joints
2. Motivation or Relaxation of Muscles. Strained or recurring contractions of the muscles are given mild stretches. However, if the muscles are taut and rigid, the stretches given are forceful.
3. McKenzie and Sensorimotor/Stabilization exercises are recommended.
*Designed to reduce the derangement of the disc associated to whiplash is known as McKenzie exercises. This exercise involves simple motions which can be done by the patient himself in his own home.
*Intended to correct the faulty motions in everyday activities is the Sensorimotor or Stabilization exercises. With this chiropractic care, the nervous system is being prepared to synchronize and enhance the motion patters, to enhance the capability of the neck muscles and to maintain the steadiness of the neck.
4. Ergonomic as well as lifestyle changes
*To improve the everyday activities with insignificant strain to the body is the objective of whiplash treatment. Aside from the manipulation given, patients are also advised on how to handle stress and tension.
Whiplash must not be ignored. Although the symptoms may not immediately manifest, go see a chiropractor if you got involved in any of these accidents - auto, work or sports. Do not wait for it to get worst. There is help -- you only need to act right away.
About the Author
Theminneapolischiropractors.com provides you a good understanding of what chiropractic is all about. It also shows you the manner the treatment is given. Chiropractors are trained professional medical practitioners in their own field. Special trainings were given to those who handle special cases, too.<br />To know more about chiropractic care, check http://www.theminneapolischiropractors.com/
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